The Vicar writes about a forthcoming Sunday Forum on Sunday 7 September.

In the last twelve months, the Church of England has been rocked by a series of safeguarding scandals. The resignation of Justin Welby as the Archbishop of Canterbury in the light of the Makin Review late last year has rightly provoked some soul-searching about the quality of safeguarding, particularly the care of victims and survivors.

There have been repeated calls for independent oversight of safeguarding, and the Church of England’s General Synod adopted a rather cautious approach in February this year. This provoked a response from the Parochial Church Council of the University Church, which you can read here. The PCC was concerned that Synod had taken a course of action which would delay necessary reform and sustain existing perceptions of an institutional reluctance to address safeguarding failures decisively.

We are committed to ensuring that the University Church remains a safe place for all. Our Safeguarding Policy, published on our website, speaks of our commitment to create ‘a welcoming, safe and caring environment for all’. 

That means that safeguarding will always be a priority for us at St Mary’s. It is discussed at every meeting of the Parochial Church Council. Mike Stevens, the PCC Secretary, is the PCC Safeguarding Lead. He is responsible for ensuring that our procedures and risk assessments are regularly reviewed by the PCC. Judith Pettersen, our Parish Safeguarding Officer, is always ready to respond to any concerns or support needs. Staff and volunteers are required to undertake appropriate levels of training, and those engaged in working with children and vulnerable adults receive the relevant DBS checks.

All of us share a responsibility for creating a culture where everyone feels empowered to prioritise the safety, well-being, and protection of children and vulnerable adults. Creating that culture means that we keep talking about safeguarding, making sure that it is always on our agenda. It is a vital expression of our commitment to provide real and practical care.

On Sunday 7 September, there will be a Sunday Forum at 12noon in the Old Library. Dr Louise Whitehead, the Head of Safeguarding in the Diocese of Oxford, will speak about the developments which have taken place to improve safeguarding within the Diocese and outline the work which still needs to happen in order to advance safeguarding reforms nationally. We do hope that you will join us.