Safeguarding

Bishop Martyn reminds us that: "The safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults lies at the heart of all that we are and all that we seek to be in the church." 

Click here to view a video message from Bishop Martyn.

If you have concerns about a child, young person or an adult who may have been harmed or be at risk of harm, please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers for advice and support: Rachael Spiers on Rachael.Spiers@Leicestercofe.org or 0793 081 9279. 

Past Cases Review 2 (PCR 2)

We published the local report undertaken by independent reviewers as part of the Past Cases Review 2 (PCR 2) across the Church of England in October 2022. The review is the largest ever undertaken by the Church into church officer safeguarding matters relating to sexual abuse of children or vulnerable adults. We are indebted to people who came forward to talk to the independent reviewer about their experience of how church related abuse was handled. Find out more here:

• The Bishop of Leicester has issued this video message: Click here to view.
• Click here to read our Announcement of the Diocese of Leicester PCR2 Report publication and Action Plan
• Click here to read the Executive Summary of the Diocese of Leicester Past Cases Review 2 Report
• Click here to read the full Diocese of Leicester Past Cases Review 2 Report
• Click here to see our PCR2 Action Plan which will be updated twice a year to show progress

You can read about some of the PCR2 process on these web pages.

Church of England response to the final IICSA Report

The Church of England has published its Response to the publication of the final report of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) | The Church of England (20 October 2022). 

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (IICSA) published its overarching report of the investigation into the Anglican Church in October 2020.

The Bishop of Leicester issued a statement in response to its publication. This letter was sent to all parishes in advance of its publication. If it raises emotional or practical issues for you please see various support and resources below, including a new service for victims of abuse, called Safe Spaces.

National Survivor Survey 

A national survey of survivors of abuse runs until 9 October 2022. Find out more here.

Dealing with safeguarding during the coronavirus pandemic:

The NSPCC has created a new webpage with information and advice for parents or carers who are worried a child or young person may be struggling with their mental health or has anxiety about coronavirus. The webpage includes information on: talking about feelings and worries; keeping in touch and balancing screen time; ways to create structure and routine; and helping to give children a sense of control. Read the information and advice: Talking to a child worried about coronavirus (COVID-19). Futher vital information about safeguarding can be found here. Please also see our Frequently Asked Questions.

Domestic Abuse: We know that for those experiencing domestic abuse, self isolating at home presents additional dangers. Women’s Aid have provided some specific safety advice.

If you have concerns about the immediate safety of someone please don’t delay in ringing the Police  on 999 or Children or Adult Services:

• Leicester City Children and Adults Services (incl. out of hours for Children’s Services) – 0116 454 1004

• Leicester City and Leicestershire Adult Services out of hours – 0116 255 1606

• Leicestershire Children’s Service (incl. out of hours) – 0116 305 0005

• Leicestershire Adult Services (daytime) – 0116 305 0004

Out of Hours Safeguarding Cover

If you need advice about a safeguarding matter out of office hours (evenings and weekends) please call:

Thirtyone:eight tel 0303 003 1111 (Option 2) 

Callers should state that they are calling from Leicester Diocese

In an emergency (especially if someone is in immediate danger of harm) you should always call 999 and ask for the police.

The Diocesan Safeguarding Team is :

Rachael Spiers , Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
M: 0793 081 9279  T: 0116 261 5341  Rachael.Spiers@Leicestercofe.org

Peter Holloway, Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
M: 07930 887984  T: 0116 2615241  Peter.Holloway@LeicesterCofE.org

Julie Foulds, Safeguarding Team Administrator
T: 0116 261 5360 Julie.Foulds@LeicesterCofE.org

Louise Warner, Safeguarding Training Officer
T: 0116 2615383 M: 0772 9628319 Louise.Warner@LeicesterCofE.org

Other contacts:

• Claire Wood, Archdeacon of Loughborough
• Richard Worsfold, Archdeacon of Leicester 
• Andy Brockbank, Director of Operations & Governance

Safe Spaces:

A new independent service providing vital support for survivors of church-related abuse has been launched, click here to find out more.

Complaints: We aim to maintain high standards of safeguarding provision, but if you do have a complaint, you can find the diocesan complaints policy here

Data protection: The safeguarding privacy notice can be found here.