Nottingham Diocese hosts first annual safeguarding conference

Parish Safeguarding Representatives (PSRs) across the Diocese of Nottingham, met together on October 31, 2024, for their first annual conference, to reflect on their progress so far, and their future vision for safeguarding in the diocese.

The conference, which took place at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel, Nottingham, consisted of several presentations from key stakeholders, and an opportunity for PSRs to meet one another and to share their experience and insights.

The day began with a presentation from Michael Stokes, Chairman of the Safeguarding Subcommittee, who reflected on the results of a recent audit report by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency, (CSSA) which was released in July.

Michael highlighted that having achieved an overall grading of ‘Comprehensive Assurance’ and an ‘Exemplary’ grading in Training and Support for Safeguarding specifically; Nottingham Diocese had one of the best safeguarding results, compared with other dioceses across England and Wales.

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He concluded by saying that the Safeguarding Department and all who supported it must remain alert, follow their common sense and utilise the procedures in place to register concerns or complaints.

The next speaker was Rachael Campion, Diocesan Director of Safeguarding who delivered a short presentation on her department’s progress, in the last three years and the necessary next steps to ensure high standards are maintained.

She expressed her gratitude to the PSRs for all of their hard work, time and commitment in ensuring parishes maintain high standards in safeguarding practices.

She went on to outline what had been done to improve safeguarding standards in the diocese, including the creation of subcommittees with trustees and professionals, on board. In addition to this, there has been more training for clergy and volunteers, enhanced by fresh and robust diocesan policies, guidance and bespoke resources.

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Rachael also reflected on the results of the CSSA’s audit report saying: “As a safeguarding team, we want to keep people safe, and this result shows that the diocese has worked hard to provide safe environments. It also helps to build public confidence in the diocese and the Catholic Church, that we have a robust safeguarding culture.”

However, Rachael, also clarified: “Having a good result already doesn’t mean the safeguarding department will stop developing the service further, but the main focus now is to continue with embedding our excellent practices.

Before breaking for lunch, delegates also heard from Bishop Patrick McKinney, who thanked them for all their help and support in raising safeguarding standards in the diocese.

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In addition, Bishop Patrick also remarked: “Just as I speak of a healthier outlook amongst the clergy, I think there is a healthier outlook too in parishes.

“We recognise that safeguarding of people should be part of, because it is part of, our DNA as Christians. We look out for each other, we love, and we care for the people that we come across.

“I think through the Safeguarding Department, we're being helped to ensure now that we are more transparent and confident in the way that all allegations and concerns are managed.”

Safeguarding representatives then had the opportunity to ask questions and to give feedback to the bishop.

Other highlights from the day included presentations from other employees of the Curia, including Angela Calderon, who spoke about tips and advice regarding GDPR and IT; Mark Wharton, who talked about risk assessments and the importance of training in this area; and Paul Bodenham, the diocesan Caritas coordinator, who spoke about Caritas and their ministry development for volunteers.

The event continued with small working groups to discuss different topics such as how the representatives are doing in their parishes, how to support victims and survivors, ways to improve communications, and safer recruitment.

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There was also an opportunity for PSRs to feedback their invaluable insights to representatives of the Safeguarding Department.

Rachael Campion concluded that the annual gathering would be the first of many, and expressed her hope that future conferences would take place in different parts of the diocese, to maximise participation across the vast region.