Churches Together in England (CTE) recently hosted the annual in-person gathering of the Christian Forum for Safeguarding (CFS). CFS is currently co-ordinated by Thirtyone:eight, and brings together Safeguarding leads from nearly 30 national churches and charities from across the UK, including a number of CTE’s Member Churches and Charities and Networks in Association.
The group was joined by representatives from The Charity Commission, who gave a presentation highlighting the Commission’s recently updated expectations around Safeguarding for English and Welsh charities. Engagement Manager Sarah reminded the attendees that: “Safeguarding law trumps spiritual authority when it comes to keeping people safe. No one is above safeguarding expectations.”
The Forum also looked at ways to support this Autumn’s Safeguarding Sunday campaign, and progress with the APPG inquiry into Regulated Activities.
In the popular ‘Meet the Member’ item, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) General Secretary Dr Nicola Brady shared the work and priorities of CTBI. Paul Threlfall from the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency also shared about the recently published the Thematic inspection report on the experiences of survivors who have engaged with the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and highlighted a number of helpful learning points.
CFS Chair and Head of Safeguarding for Thirtyone:eight, Karen Eakins, shared “It was such a joy to be together today to meet in person as the Christian Forum for Safeguarding. This group is so valuable in keeping safeguarding leads connected, supported and informed as we share this mission to create safer places.”
Thirtyone:eight is a Charity and Network in Association with Churches Together in England.