Video and slides from safeguarding conference

Dr Lisa Oakley

Our recent diocesan safeguarding conference brought together clergy, parish safeguarding officers, pastoral visitors, youth and children’s workers, and volunteers from across the diocese for a day of learning, reflection and practical action.

Held under the theme Courage to Care: Building safer worshipping communities together, the conference explored how worshipping communities can continue to strengthen safeguarding culture and practice in every aspect of community life. The keynote address was given by Dr Lisa Oakley, an internationally recognised safeguarding scholar and trainer, who spoke on the sensitive and important issue of spiritual abuse.

🎥: Professor Lisa Oakley’s keynote address

🖥️ Slides:

Keynote:
KEYNOTE Creating safer, healthier communities keynote slides
If you would like to share or make use of these slides, please contact Professor Lisa Oakley via ku.ca1781518489.rets1781518489ehc@s1781518489noita1781518489cinum1781518489moc1781518489 in the first instance.

Workshops:
Impact of Christian Theology on Child Protection Practices in the Church
Pastoral Care and Ministry Workshop
Youth Ministry Safeguarding Workshop – Slides
Youth Ministry Safeguarding Workshop – Handout
Trauma Informed Approaches for Parishes Workshop Slides
How to communicate and promote safeguarding
Locally Commissioned Lay Ministry Process outline
Pastoral Visiting ~ example risk assessment

Bishop Robert, Church of England Lead Bishop for Safeguarding, introduced the day, saying “Safeguarding is no add-on to the life of the Church, it is a fundamental expression of the working-out of our faith.”

Alongside the keynote sessions, attendees took part in workshops led by members of the diocesan safeguarding, mission and ministry teams. Sessions encouraged participants to reflect on the purpose of pastoral ministry and safeguarding, consider policies and procedures, and explore attitudes and behaviours that are both pastoral and safe.

The day also provided opportunities for churches and communities to connect, share experiences and continue working together to build safer, more welcoming worshipping communities for all.

Dr Oakley opened the morning session by compassionately exploring the sensitive and complex issue of spiritual abuse, challenging attendees to deepen their understanding of healthy community dynamics.

Following the keynote, interactive workshops led by the Diocesan Safeguarding Team allowed representatives to collaborate closely on ministry policies and practical procedures. Participants spent time reflecting on the fundamental ‘Why?’ behind pastoral care, exploring how to ensure that everyday behaviors and church environments remain both deeply pastoral and rigorously safe.