In light of recent events and the Makin Review, Bishop John reflects on the Diocese of Liverpool’s commitment to safeguarding. He emphasises the importance of learning from these challenges and building on our strong foundation of good practice. His letter outlines key actions for all clergy and church leaders to ensure the highest standards of safeguarding across our parishes. Below is his full message…
Over a week has passed since the Archbishop of Canterbury resigned and many in the Church of England reflected on their safeguarding practices in the light of the Makin Review. Last Friday’s bulletin restated our collective shock at the details of the report and our desire to keep survivors at the front of our thoughts and prayers. It also highlighted mine and Dean Sue’s commitment to encourage the best possible safeguarding culture for our diocese. You can read our statements here
When something like this occurs, we have to look at what we can learn from and improve on. We have a strong platform of good practice to build on. Our safeguarding team has developed robust policies and procedures which are often shared with other dioceses as best practice examples. I have regular meetings with Andy Holmes, our Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, and am encouraged to hear the work that the majority of our parishes are doing is good.
We cannot and must not be complacent and I need you, as ministers with oversight in your parishes, to ensure that your parish is doing all it can to follow best practice. You can find what you need at https://liverpoolcofe.org/safeguarding-matters/
Following best practice means you need to
1) adhere to the robust policies and procedures the safeguarding team have put in place. I have asked Andy to tell me of any places where this is not the case or is being resisted so that I can take appropriate action.
2) make sure that all activities are appropriately risk assessed.
3) carry out safer recruitment for any roles that are offered in the parish. You can find that guidance here https://liverpoolcofe.org/safeguarding-matters/safer-recruitment-for-parishes-and-churches/
4) carry out all training on a regular basis. You must complete your training every three years. This is not an excessive request and we know many people may have had safeguarding training with other bodies they engage with however the church is a unique place. Your leadership, and the leadership of the PCC is vital in establishing the safe churches we all want.
Myself and the diocesan safeguarding team are committed to the best possible practice and I am aware of the tireless commitment of so many of you, your PCCS and Parish Safeguarding Officers. I thank you for that. We are horrified by the details of the Smyth report and would not want a repeat of that. Changing the culture through committing to and following the 4 actions above will go a long way to making sure we have safer churches in the Diocese of Liverpool.
+John
