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. 

We - like all the other dioceses in the Church of England - have recently conducted a Past Cases Review 2 (PCR 2) into safeguarding matters relating to sexual abuse of children or vulnerable adults.  There will be more information about the outcomes of PCR2 published on these web pages in autumn 2022.

National Survivor Survey 

A national survey of survivors of abuse is running until 18 September 2022. Find out more here.

Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse

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.

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
T: 0116 261 5341 M: 0793 081 9279 Rachael.Spiers@Leicestercofe.org

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