Safeguarding training for all diocesan clergy

This summer has seen all the priests and deacons working in the Diocese of East Anglia attending sessions to continue their on-going safeguarding training.

At the first event on June 16 at the Belsey Bridge Conference Centre in Norfolk, around 70 delegates heard a message from Cardinal Vincent Nichols emphasising the Church’s commitment to care for all those who have experienced harm either within in the Church or in other circumstances. He spoke of the need for all those in leadership in the diocese and parishes to embed safeguarding practices into all aspects of Church life.

Sebastian Carro, National Trainer, from the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) spoke about the work of this new Church’s safeguarding body. The CSSA has set eight standards to measure dioceses’ achievements. He explained how an understanding of safeguarding is an on-going process of learning, reflection and prayer.

A key session emphasised that safeguarding is a team effort. When dealing with difficult matters, leaders in parishes can call on the expertise of the Diocesan Safeguarding Office and local parish safeguarding representatives. The Diocesan Safeguarding Office team has processes which support the work it does providing advice for Bishop Alan and the diocesan trustees.  

Diocesan Safeguarding Administrator, Rebecca Bretherton, said: “Last year’s Safeguarding for Clergy training was all online. At June’s event at Belsey Bridge Conference Centre at Ditchingham, it was good to be back together to share experiences and to learn good practice from each other.

“We want our Church to be a safe place for everyone. Our leaders need opportunities to learn more about this important aspect of their ministry. This year’s training aims to give our priests and deacons time to reflect on this important area of their work. “

For those who missed the June event, an online session is being put on, on July 12, which will cover exactly the same safeguarding modules as the Ditchingham event. You can register for this through Safeguarding Administrator Rebecca Bretherton (who is away from the office until July 11) by sending an email to easafeguarding@gmail.com

Pictured above at the Ditchingham training day are, from the left, Deacon James Hurst, Chris Quinn, Chair, Diocesan Trustees’ Safeguarding Sub- Committee, Fr Simon Blakesley, Rebecca Bretherton, Diocesan Safeguarding Administrator, Sebastian Carro, National Trainer, Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency and Mick Thurley, Diocesan Safeguarding Co-ordinator.

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