Bishops and clergy from the Diocese of Leicester and the Cathedral recently gathered at St Martins House Leicester for a conversation morning, creating a space for reflection, listening, learning, and honest discussion about safeguarding practice in the contexts of our church communities.
The session began with worship led by Matt Long, diocesan Youth Engagement & Intergenerational Communities Enabler, drawing inspiration and wisdom from the safeguarding themed listening exercise carried out among children and young people in the diocese.
Findings reveal young people believe safeguarding information is best shared in person, that a safe space is somewhere happy, peaceful and calm, and that those in their circle of trust have earned it as ‘trust is the effort you put into a relationship’. Read more here.
Reflecting on John 1, participants were invited to consider how they might recognise the divine in one another through words marked with grace and truth, while Philippians 4 and Proverbs 3 encouraged those present to cultivate peace, trust and openness as they entered into difficult but important conversations together.
Introducing the session, Bishop Martyn spoke about the forthcoming INEQE independent safeguarding audit and the significant amount of work already undertaken across the diocese in preparation for the auditors' visit.
He explained that the purpose of the gathering was to hear directly from clergy about their experiences of safeguarding in parish life, including the challenges, pressures and opportunities they encounter, so that diocesan support could be strengthened and shared learning encouraged.
Central to the morning was a commitment to listening. Participants were invited to share experiences of safeguarding practice and the realities of responding to complex situations in church settings. A safe environment was created in which people could speak honestly about both successes and struggles.
One clergy member spoke about his experience of dealing with a safeguarding concern, in particular the emotional impact and the challenge of holding parishioners safe during a period of great uncertainty.
Alongside Rachael Spiers, Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, and her safeguarding team members, the gathering also heard from Adrienne Plunkett, Independent Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Oversight Group, who highlighted the importance of keeping victims and survivors at the forefront of the Church's thinking.
Drawing on the Diocese's Survivor Care Strategy, Adrienne spoke about the need to ensure survivor voices are heard by decision-makers and reflected in the Church's safeguarding culture. She reminded participants that the impact of church-related abuse extends beyond the abuse itself, often affecting a person's sense of belonging, trust and faith, as well as their connection to church communities that were once places of safety and support.
Participants were encouraged to remain mindful that, within any congregation, there may be people carrying these experiences, often unseen by those around them.
Adrienne also suggested people engage with Safer Faiths, Safer Followers by Revd Dr Tom Wilson, Director of the St Philip’s Centre.
The session amplified the voices of Parish Safeguarding Coordinators (PSCs), who spoke of the value of the strong episcopal leadership in our diocese and the importance of recognising the good work being undertaken across parishes. At the same time, they acknowledged significant challenges, including the isolation that PSCs can experience, the difficulty of recruiting volunteers and ensuring training compliance, and the misconception that safeguarding responsibility rests solely with the appointed officer rather than being shared across the whole PCC. (Read how one church has started a safeguarding café to help volunteers overcome training barriers.)
Contributors reflected on both the rewards and challenges of the role. While many safeguarding coordinators described a strong sense of vocation and commitment to protecting others, they also spoke of the pressures that can come with the responsibility, particularly when balancing safeguarding duties alongside work, family life and other commitments.
Clergy noted the importance of ensuring safeguarding remains embedded across the whole church community rather than being seen as the responsibility of one individual alone.
Shared insights from recent conversation drop-in sessions with the safeguarding team and surveys of PSCs emphasised the importance of incumbent support, peer networks, and the emergence of clusters of safeguarding coordinators working together within Minster Communities. These initiatives aim to strengthen collaboration, support and resilience among those serving in safeguarding roles, while helping to foster a culture in which safeguarding is understood as a shared responsibility.
(Read Working Together to Strengthen Safeguarding Across Minster Communities.)
An area of discussion then focused on safeguarding within intercultural contexts. Bishops and clergy reflected on how cultural practices can shape interactions and expectations, and on the need to ensure that all people, regardless of background, feel safe and respected.
Particular attention was given to the importance of consent, clear communication and recognising that abuse can occur in any community or culture.
The latter part of the morning included an open "fishbowl" style conversation, providing space for questions, experiences and concerns to be shared. A range of voices joined the discussions across themes including deprivation, domestic abuse, intercultural ministry, safer spaces, safeguarding training, trustee responsibilities and the complexities that arise when both victims and perpetrators are part of the same congregation.
In his reflection, Bishop Saju observed that safeguarding is not something separate from the Church's theology or mission. Rather, it is deeply rooted in the reality of Christian faith itself, reflecting the call that every person, made in the image of God, should feel safe, valued, and protected.
Concluding the morning, Bishop Saju reaffirmed the diocese's commitment to safeguarding and to those who carry responsibility for it. He emphasised that people involved in safeguarding work must be seen, heard and supported, and reminded clergy that they are not alone. The diocese, particularly its safeguarding team, he said, remains committed to walking alongside parishes as partners in this vital ministry.
If you have been affected by this article, and would like to talk to someone, you can contact the diocesan safeguarding team.
Alternatively, call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 or visit safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk