How can our understanding of Biblical themes – being made in God’s image, serving Christ the King, doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly – shape the way we think about safeguarding?

Revd John Hoyland invites us to explore how theology can enrich and inform safeguarding practice. By reflecting on scripture and Christian values, we can begin to see safeguarding not just as a procedural necessity, but as a deeply theological commitment to care, justice, and dignity.

John has been a tutor with York School of Ministry for four years and, following a curacy in York, he now works as Lifelong Learning and Continuing Ministerial Development Advisor for the Diocese of York.

Domestic abuse isn’t just physical. It can include controlling, coercive, threatening, and degrading behaviour—most often by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer.

Although it is sadly common, domestic abuse is often under-reported. Many people may not realise that what they’re experiencing is abuse. Others may feel ashamed or believe it’s somehow their fault. But it is never the victim’s fault.

We’re pleased to welcome Melanie Fox and Lauren Grieveson from IDAS: the largest specialist charity in the North supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. Mel and Lauren will help us explore what domestic abuse looks like, how we can respond well, and how we can support those in our congregations and communities who may be affected.

We’re pleased to welcome Graeme Pringle from Clearly Simpler, the team behind the widely used Safeguarding Dashboards and the new Safeguarding Hubs.

Safeguarding Hubs are helping parishes across the Church of England meet safeguarding requirements with confidence. Fully integrated with Safeguarding Dashboards, now used in nearly 6,000 parishes, they offer practical tools for safer recruitment and effective people management.

In this workshop, Graeme will introduce the key features of the Hub:

• Role Creator – Clarifies safeguarding requirements and generates Role Descriptions and Person Specifications using customisable templates.
• People Manager – Tracks ongoing safeguarding requirements, sends automatic reminders, and monitors DBS checks, training, and supervision.
• Recruitment Tracker – Supports safer volunteer recruitment and creates Volunteer Agreements that are automatically archived.

Safeguarding Hubs are designed to work seamlessly across mobile phones, tablets, and computers. Whether you’re new to the system, just getting started, or already benefiting from its features, this session will offer valuable insights and practical guidance.

Graeme will also be available to answer questions and share expert advice on how to make the most of these tools in your parish.

Mona-Karina Theodosius is our Diocesan Adviser in Pastoral Care. Mo is a UKCP-accredited Systemic and Family Psychotherapist. In her role, she offers or arranges therapy, pastoral support, and mediation for clergy, their immediate families, Diocesan employees, and Licensed or Authorised Lay Ministers.

As Christian workers and supporters of others, the line between service — which can be sacrificial — and servitude — which can feel like enslavement to duty — is not always easy to see. In a world of high demand, how do we hold both ourselves and others graciously in mind?

Mo will reflect on this question, exploring how we can care for ourselves in body, mind, and spirit so that we are better resourced and more available to those we serve. Her session will take a holistic approach, drawing on psychological, emotional, practical, and spiritual perspectives.

In this session, Revd Canon Timothy Goode will explore the contrast between the Church’s assimilated Graeco-Roman idealised norms and the radical theology of the risen wounded body of Christ. This powerful theological reflection invites us to consider how our understanding of Christ’s resurrection can challenge and reshape our approach to inclusion, safeguarding, and discipleship.

Timothy Goode has been the Canon for Congregational Discipleship and Nurture at York Minster since September 2023. He brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as Rector of St Margaret’s Lee in South East London, as well as his work on General Synod and the Archbishops’ Council. He is a member of the National Disability Task Group, which advises the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and led the first-ever debate on disability at General Synod in July 2022.

This session offers an overview of the Stop It Now helpline and its associated support services, guidance to support effective referrals, tools for facilitating informed and sensitive conversations, and explores the psychological aspects of offending, including the roles of guilt and shame.

The presentation will cover:

• factors contributing to offending behaviour, including the influence of pornography
• understanding and addressing guilt and shame
• managing disclosures
• the current landscape and scale of online sexual offending
• the role and impact of deterrence campaigns
• the purpose of the helpline, including the types of calls we receive and the people we support
• how individuals present during calls, and the nature of the advice and support offered
• follow-on services, including the Stop It Now self-help modules
• the emotional and professional impact of engaging with this work

Gerald Fox is Diocesan Racial Justice Education Adviser. He has developed and delivered training on diversity, inclusion, and unconscious bias, and has contributed to the national church’s anti-racist training modules. His work is shaped by the recommendations of From Lament to Action, the report of the Archbishops’ Anti-Racism Taskforce, and is focused on tackling racism in all its forms within the Church.

This session will explore:

• What is racism?
• Why racism is a safeguarding issue
• Intersectionality
• Micro-aggressions
• The role of implicit bias
• How to respond well to disclosures of racist abuse and harassment

We’re pleased to welcome Eamonn Mohans, Rough Sleeper Coordinator for North Yorkshire Council, to lead this important workshop. Eamonn brings 25 years of experience working in the Criminal Justice Service with children, young people, adults, and families. He took up his current role in July 2024, driven by a desire to make a difference for the most vulnerable in our communities.

This session will explore the safeguarding risks and vulnerabilities associated with rough sleeping and homelessness. It will offer practical insights and open discussion around key areas, including:

• Perceptions
• Identification, (duty to refer)
• Complexities of need and risk
• Assessments (Capacity, MH, local connections, housing
• Referral pathways
• Severe weather provision
• Challenges & Opportunities, (Affordability, supply & demand, partnership approach)
• Good practice: Shelter
• Open for discussion along the way

Sara Dickinson is Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser. She has previously undertaken training as TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) practitioner whilst working for the Police and has a wealth of experience working within education and looked after children settings, supporting children and young people who suffered significant abuse and trauma. 

The session will explore:

• What do we mean by trauma 

• How we respond to trauma 

• Understanding the impact of trauma 

• Explore the six key principles of trauma informed practice 

Please note that this session has previously been delivered during a PSO forum in 2024. 

The session will offer a time of reflection.

The Revd Canon Sam Taylor became Diocesan Director of Ordinands in August this year. Before taking on this role, Sam served the parish of Eastfield near Scarborough and has held a wide range of positions, including Director of a crisis charity, Area Dean, Chair of Governors, and Acting Archdeacon.

Joining Sam in conversation is Jenny Price, our Safeguarding Trainer in York. Jenny brings warmth and curiosity to these sessions, inspired by the late Michael Parkinson’s gift for putting people at ease so that we might learn more about them.

This session offers a chance to explore the role of the DDO and its vital connection with safeguarding. A former DDO once reflected that their work in discernment ministry is so important it should be complemented by a strong understanding of safeguarding. As Sam begins this new chapter, we’ll consider how collaboration between discernment and safeguarding teams can help embed good practice across our diocese.