The Diocesan Safeguarding Oversight Group (DSOG) is the governance body with responsibility for safeguarding. The purpose of DSOG, as expressed in its Terms of Reference, is:
- To provide independent advice, expertise and challenge on safeguarding policies, procedures and practices to the diocesan bishop and other senior clergy and officials.
- To ensure the diocese has safeguarding policies, working practices and training arrangements in place which are consistent with statutory requirements and the House of Bishops’ policy and practice guidance and that these arrangements are operating effectively.
Membership is a mix of representatives from external agencies, including from the statutory services, and diocesan and Cathedral officers. DSOG meets four times a year and full Terms of Reference can be downloaded below.
Membership is as follows: (Revised Feb 2026)
- Adrienne Plunkett – Independent Chair
- Ruth Lake – Leicester Children & Adult Services
- Kevin Brown – Leicestershire Police
- Martin Gardner – Leicester & Leicestershire Probation
- Julie Croysdale – Parish Safeguarding representative
- Pete Coopey – Parish Safeguarding representative
- Claire Wood – Archdeacon of Loughborough, Bishop’s Lead for Safeguarding
- Rachael Spiers – Diocesan Safeguarding Officer
- Karen Rooms – Dean of Leicester Cathedral
- Sophie Holder – Diocesan Director of Racial Equity
- Rachael Spiers – Diocesan Safeguarding Officer
- Andy Brockbank – Director of Operations and Governance
- James Pickersgill – Bishop’s Chaplain
- Gemma Starkings – Director of Communications
Download: Terms of Reference