Around 55 Parish Safeguarding Coordinators (PSCs), Churchwardens, members of Clergy and Lay Ministers came together with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and Adrienne Plunkett, Independent Chair of Safeguarding, for the annual online Diocese of Leicester Safeguarding Conference on Saturday 8 November.
Bishop Martyn opened the conference with prayer and a reflection on John 15:9-17, considering how the work of our PSCs is a practical demonstration of what it means to love our neighbour and a practical expression of care for those within our churches and the communities around them.
He also spoke about his own work, and that of his colleagues in the House of Lords, in addressing poverty and ensuring that the law serves to protect those experiencing it - recognising this as a vital aspect of safeguarding.
The conference was addressed by three guest speakers. Alex Kubeyinje, National Director of Safeguarding for the Church of England, spoke about the work of the national safeguarding team, sharing information about learning and improvement, the work Pilavachi survivors have been doing to create a case study for the revised safeguarding leadership training starting in 2026, and an update on the Safeguarding Structures Programme.
Alex also outlined national work to create resources to support PSCs. He thanked our PSCs for all that they do to keep safeguarding at the heart of our churches and worshipping communities, which takes huge commitment and effort.
The Revd Dr Tom Wilson, Director of the St Philip’s Centre, spoke about his research into the nature of spiritual abuse, resulting in the publication of his new book, Safer Faiths, Safer Followers.
Through the use of case studies, the group discussed what constitutes spiritual abuse and how we can best mitigate against spiritual abuse occurring in our church contexts.
Finally, Matt Long, Diocesan Youth Engagement and Intergenerational Communities Enabler, provided an update on the learning from the Spring/Summer 2025 listening exercise which was on the theme of safeguarding, and carried out with children and young people from around the diocese.
The invitation for Matt to attend the conference was one of the actions that Rachael Spiers, Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, had undertaken to ensure when she and Bishop Martyn recorded a response to the feedback in August.
Matt explained that one of the key findings from this was that the best way to share safeguarding information was in person, and by someone children and young people were familiar with, and how this can be really impactful in ensuring children know who they can go to if they ever have a concern.
He suggested inviting PSCs into children and young people’s groups, partiularly if your worshipping community is marking Safeguarding Sunday.
Church settings were also encouraged to consider facilitating their children and young people to take part in the next exercise, Do You Hear Me, which will set the agenda for listening work in 2026-7.
Reflecting on the day, Rachael Spiers said: “It was great to see so many PSCs, church officers, clergy and lay ministers gathered from around the diocese. The conference was an opportunity to come together, supported and united in our safeguarding responsibilities, as well as hear from significant voices who shared their knowledge and learning.
“As always, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to all those who give their time to make our churches and worshipping communities a welcoming and safe space for everyone.”
