Nearly 300 people signed up to take part in sixteen online events making up “Strength in Numbers – we’re in this together”, the 13-17 November 2023 Safeguarding Week run by the Diocese of York and York Minster.
The third annual Safeguarding Week in November offered additional training, information, signposting and support in a variety of issues and processes over and above the major safeguarding training programme run for ministers and church volunteers and staff year in, year out.
Beginning with a video of Archbishop Stephen responding to safeguarding questions sent in from across the diocese, the week included advice on social issues such as slavery, gambling and domestic abuse, together with practical advice on implementing guidelines and best practice in local churches including lone working, safer recruitment and DBS checks. Inclusion of an evening online forum for Parish Safeguarding Officers with the safeguarding team proved particularly popular, and these forums will continue to take place occasionally through the year.
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser Rob Marshall said, “It’s been very encouraging to see so many people committed to safeguarding as a way of life in our churches, and going beyond the basics that are asked of all of us in making our churches as safe as they can be.
“It brought home to me that we really are a team across the whole diocese from York Minster to the smallest parish church – we really are in this together and Safeguarding Week is a sign of our Strength in Numbers.”
