Bishop Rachel is pleased to share the following information with you: On 25 February 2025, the National Safeguarding Team announced that, following an independent process after the Makin review, it
Tag: Safeguarding
Listening well to those who have experienced abuse
The Diocese of Gloucester, in partnership with the National Safeguarding Team, hosted a Safeguarding Good Practice Participation Forum in October. Here we share some of the key learning from that
Message from Bishop Robert, 11 November 2025
Stepping into the role of Lead Bishop for Safeguarding
Bishop Robert to be new Lead Safeguarding Bishop
Bishop Robert is to be the Church of England’s new Lead Safeguarding Bishop, taking over from Bishop Joanne Grenfell who leaves the role at the end of March 2026, when
Anti-Slavery Day: How churches can respond
Anti-Slavery Day, observed every year on 18 October, provides an opportunity to raise awareness of human trafficking and modern slavery and encourages individuals, churches, charities, companies, and local authorities to
Engaging with lived experiences to improve safeguarding practice
A victim of church-based sexual abuse will be speaking at the next Safeguarding Good Practice Participation Forum in October. Organised by the Diocese of Gloucester and the NST, it will
Breaking the silence of sexual abuse – Ann’s story
Warning: This video and story contains details of sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, coercion and abortion, which some people may find distressing.
Partnership working in action to safeguard children
The Revd Naftali Nkika is visiting the Diocese of Gloucester from our link Diocese of Western Tanganyika (DWT) in Tanzania.
News from Gloucester Cathedral regarding Peter Ball signage
With the support of the Safeguarding team, Gloucester Cathedral has placed an interpretation panel next to the list of Bishops in the North Ambulatory of the Cathedral to explain the
A message from Bishop Rachel- Safeguarding in the media
On Tuesday evening 28 January, I watched the Channel 4 news with shock and dismay as yet another Church of England situation was under the spotlight in relation to abuse.
Safeguarding bishops apologise to survivors following Archbishop’s speech
Bishops Joanne Grenfell, (Bishop of Stepney and Lead Safeguarding Bishop for the Church of England), Julie Conalty (Bishop of Birkenhead and Deputy Lead Safeguarding Bishop) and Robert Springett (Bishop of
A message from Bishop Rachel on the Archbishop’s valedictory speech
As a member of the Lords Spiritual and as your diocesan bishop, I was deeply saddened and perturbed by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s valedictory speech in the House of Lords yesterday (5 December 2024).
A message from Bishop Rachel and Bishop Robert, Friday 15 November
We are acutely aware that this past week in the life of the Church of England has been turbulent and painful, particularly for victims and survivors of abuse, who must
An updated message from Bishop Rachel and Bishop Robert on the Makin review, 12 November
Following the news that the Archbishop of Canterbury has today offered his resignation, Bishop Rachel and Bishop Robert have updated the message they shared on 11 November.
Independent review into Church’s handling of Smyth case published
A message from Bishop Rachel and Bishop Robert regarding John Smyth, 11 November 2024
Unconscious Bias Training
We all have opinions, are aware of it and make allowances. What is of greater concern is those of which we are unconscious. This training, which is part of our
Unconscious Bias Training
We all have opinions, are aware of it and make allowances. What is of greater concern is those of which we are unconscious. This training, which is part of our
Andy’s dedication to safeguarding training
This month, we’re celebrating some of our amazing safeguarding volunteers. Andrew Hall, a professional trainer with 14 years of self-employed experience in health and safety training, has recently channelled his
Safeguarding in the Diocese of Gloucester
In February of this year our diocese, including Gloucester Cathedral, was externally audited for our safeguarding work. This audit was part of the Church of England’s ongoing commitment to
Hairdressers, publicans, parish councillors and priests wanted to target rural domestic abuse
A survivor of domestic abuse working for GDASS (Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service) is rolling out community training in identifying domestic abuse to rural communities in Gloucestershire, in an initiative
Unconscious Bias Training
We all have opinions, are aware of it and make allowances. What is of greater concern is those of which we are unconscious. This training, which is part of our
Research participants wanted
Research participants wanted: Christian theology and child protection practices in the Church of England. Brett Riches, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, is conducting research for his dissertation as part of an MSc
Mothers’ Union on 16 days of activism against gender-based violence
The Mothers’ Union is taking part in the 16 days against gender-based violence with its ‘No More 1 in 3’ campaign against domestic abuse and gender-based violence. The organisation has
iNEQE safeguarding audit – take the survey
The Diocese of Gloucester is one of the first few dioceses and cathedrals working with the new national safeguarding audit process with the iNEQE. As part of this audit the
