Before Christmas the House of Bishops produced an updated Safeguarding Policy Statement for use by churches. Our Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, Catriona Richardson, explains why it is important to take note and review parish policies accordingly
“One of the reasons I wanted to work for the Church of England” explains Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser Catriona Richardson “was I wanted to see all churches become a safe place for people to receive God’s love. Key to this is promoting best practice and encouraging all to make sure their church, parish and worshiping community is a safe place.”
A Reader in our diocese and a Registered Nurse with a long background working for the National Health Service, Catriona is a passionate advocate for Safeguarding and is working across our diocese to help churches keep up to speed with this challenging area.
One of the practical things that churches can do is review and adopt “Promoting a Safer Church”. The document, published by the House of Bishops in December, sets out a clear and easy to understand policy framework. It applies to all and offers a great foundation for good safeguarding practice.
Catriona adds “Promoting a Safer Church” and the other material being published by the national church offers strong, clear guidance for parishes, churches and church officers. I wholeheartedly endorse it and strongly recommend that every PCC and DCC reviews the document to make sure they are,and can promote themselves as,a safer church”
