Hello everyone, I’m Stuart Barton‑Ainsworth, and I’m very pleased to be joining the Diocese as the new Deputy Diocesan Safeguarding Officer. I’m really looking forward to visiting parishes, meeting people, and working alongside clergy, PCCs, churchwardens, volunteers, and congregations across our Diocese.
In my role, I will be supporting your local church communities to grow in safe, confident, and compassionate safeguarding practice. This includes offering clear advice, guidance, and practical support; helping with safeguarding training; responding to concerns; and working with you to embed safeguarding as an essential part of our shared mission and ministry. At its heart, safeguarding is about people, building churches where every individual feels safe, valued, and able to belong.
Before joining the Diocese, I worked for many years as a social worker, and held roles connected to the criminal justice system, policing, and education. These experiences have shaped the way I approach safeguarding: through partnership, good communication, listening carefully, and recognising the strengths already present in our parish communities. I am especially passionate about helping others feel supported, not overwhelmed, by safeguarding responsibilities, and encouraging a culture were asking questions and seeking guidance is always welcomed.
I’m excited to begin this new chapter and hope to meet many of you soon, whether at parish visits, training sessions, deanery gatherings, or diocesan events. Please do say hello; I promise I’m not scary! I’m really looking forward to working with you and supporting the safeguarding work you are already doing so faithfully in your churches.
You can get in touch with Stuart by emailing: stuart.bartonainsworth@liverpool.anglican.org
