EDITORIAL

Together we protect

Over the summer many faith organisations finally returned to their meeting places as lockdown restrictions lifted and large groups were able to meet again.

Things still aren’t as they were before, with fewer events and festivals taking place over the summer and plans for Christmas services remaining in the balance. Despite all the changes and struggles that have happened over the last year and a half we must still be aware of the ongoing need to actively protect vulnerable people. Whatever our churches or faith-based organisations are facing over the next few months, all of us can put in the effort to help create safer places for all. We hope this edition provides information and encouragement as you seek to do that. On page 6 Justin Humphreys, our CEO (Safeguarding) discusses the notion of ‘Just Leadership’ and how we can apply this to our own lives and in the areas where we lead.

On page 10 we highlight how one vicar decided to make a difference by shaving his head as a lament and an opportunity to raise money to help create safer places. On page 18 we showcase Inspire North, a charity that has made a positive difference in the lives of young people during the lockdown. They were the recipients of the CYP Now safeguarding award, which Thirtyone:eight sponsored this year. We aim to equip society with the knowledge and skills to create safer environments for children and adults at risk. Our framework of ten safeguarding standards helps organisations operate safely and in a manner that complies with UK law and best practice, whichever stage of the safeguarding journey they're on. On page 22 one of our safeguarding service managers, Susan Stephen, discusses the restructuring of these ten standards.

The Covid lockdowns have brought a large change in the way safeguarding is done in the church. On page 14 we outline a research project that has been done in response and will be used to improve knowledge around safeguarding. As always we love to hear what you think and get your thoughts and feedback on what we can include, so do get in touch. You can do this through our website, by dropping us a line on our social media@thirtyoneeight or emailing us at info@thirtyoneeight.org.

Susan Stephen

Matt Cooper Editor

“Thank you for putting the training on in this form because it made it easy to access particularly with the situation at the moment. It is a much more cost eff ective way for us to access training. Very good presenters and slides were excellent.”

Webinar training for churches

Need to refresh your safeguarding knowledge or quickly get new people up to speed?

Our webinar series has been developed for anyone working with vulnerable people or for those who have a responsibility for safeguarding. Created by the team that developed our leading face-to-face training, our webinars provide an easily accessible and affordable way to learn. With many people working at home this could be the perfect opportunity to up-date your knowledge or to prepare for a new role.

Topics include:

• Safeguarding Children & Young People • Safeguarding Adults at Risk of Harm • Online DBS checks and Eligibility • Safeguarding for Trustees • Safeguarding Coordinators/Leads • Responding to Domestic Abuse • Safer Recruitment • Understanding Spiritual Abuse

Accessible. Aff ordable. Relevant.

visit thirtyoneeight.org/webinars or call 0303 003 1111 (option 3) to book your place or to host a webinar for your church.