Meet the department Safeguarding

Both my positions, previously in the Anglican church and now the Catholic church were the first safeguarding jobs I saw advertised at the time of looking and the only ones I applied for, so a part of me feels that I am here for a reason.

Q: What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?

The Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse, observed on the Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter in England and Wales was this year followed by Safeguarding Sunday, on May 14th 2023, when as a diocese we took a moment to reflect on the importance of safeguarding. We were thrilled to be able to chat with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, based at Saint Hugh's House in Nottingham. The small team of three - Rachael, Jane, and Alan - work tirelessly, assisting and leading in all things 'Safeguarding' in the Diocese of Nottingham.

Q: What drew you to this work and how did you get into it?

Alan: I have worked most of my adult life as a Police Officer with Nottinghamshire Police I have always wanted to help people with problems, and as I went through my policing career, I was drawn to specialisms, like public protection and counter terrorism, that focussed on managing risk and trying to prevent people becoming a victim of crime or abuse I have also always had a strong sense of fairness and I don’t like to see people being taken advantage of

Rachael: I’ve always seemed to have been drawn to jobs where I have supported or helped others, initially starting out in the care sector where I remained for 6 years working with different people needing support due to a range of vulnerabilities, before joining the police The police role was varied with the latter 8 years working in public protection Once I left the police I was determined to work in a different sector, such as hospitality or entertainment, to experience the nicer sides to life I suppose, however I quickly found myself drawn to safeguarding roles. Safeguarding in a faith setting has been evolving in the last 10 years and is interesting to me, the support and a good work the church offers to communities, it is important we get it right particularly as it has been so harmful historically.

Alan: I am a season ticket holder at Nottingham Forest and have supported the team for over 40 years. I am also a single figure golfer and like to spoil a good walk as often as possible. Outside of that, I have a wife, 3 adult children, 4 dogs, 2 pigs and 2 horses to keep me busy.

Q: What or who inspires you?

Alan: My inspiration to do the things I do is underpinned be a desire to be able to positively influence someone else’s life, either through love, protection, loyalty or guidance

Q: Why is it important and special to mark Safeguarding Sunday as a diocese?

Rachael: Safeguarding Sunday gives us all the opportunity to reflect on the good work those involved in safeguarding in the church do It has been a challenging part of church life and culture but the more we can address safeguarding in the church community, promote safeguarding practice and communicate the message we will continue to move forward and evolve

Volunteers give up their time and commitment to ensuring the church is safe and encourage others to take responsibility and this is an opportunity to thank them. It also creates a time to reflect on the changes, promote safeguarding culture, and celebrate change Nationally, amongst all denominations, there has been a steer to widen Safeguarding Sunday’s agenda to move with the evolvement of its importance and requirements in the church, to encourage everyone to become involved Good safeguarding practice, to protecting each other is important; we know this, but safeguarding is also about trust, encouragement, the empowerment of others and creating healthy and welcoming churches.

Alan: If we love somebody, we want the best for them That involves the ability for that person to grow, trust and feel safe. It also means that we would also do all that we can to prevent that person from being harmed in any way or being prevented from growing to their fullest potential because of a damaging encounter or experience/s For me, safeguarding is the way we prevent people from being exposed to harm, and it allows people to grow.

As parents, we safeguard our children every day because we love them As people, we safeguard our friends and family because we love and care for them. Why wouldn’t we want to treat our church community in the same way?

Bishop Patrick McKinney

A Prayer for Healing & Reconciliation

Praise to you Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the source of all consolation and hope Be the refuge and guardian of all who suffer from abuse and violence.

Comfort them and send healing for their wounds of the body, soul and spirit Help us all and make us one with you in your love for justice as we deepen our respect for the dignity of every human life

Giver of peace, make us one in celebrating your praise, both now and forever. We ask this through Christ our Lord Amen

“Jesus made the crowds welcome and talked to them about the kingdom of God; and he cured those who were in need of healing.” cf Matthew 4: 123

I would also like to express my gratitude to the parish Safeguarding Representatives for their hard work and commitment. Through them we are now embedding excellent Safeguarding practice across our parishes and chaplaincies to make our churches safe and welcoming.