safe spaces
I will support independent, robust, and transparent oversight in safeguarding to rebuild trust, protect the vulnerable, and ensure our churches are safe spaces for all.
At times it has been a rollercoaster, but I have tried to be faithful in responding to victims and survivors of church-based abuse, not least as a trustee of Safe Spaces, the telephone support service for victims and survivors of church-based abuse and as a member of the National Redress Project Board and the National Safeguarding Steering Group.
I am a trustee of St John’s College with Cranmer Hall in Durham University, as well as serving as trustee on the St Nicholas Durham PCC, the Durham Diocesan Board of Finance, the Archbishops’ Council, and Safe Spaces England and Wales.
Mission often begins with presence: opening our doors, listening to our neighbours, creating safe spaces for prayer and conversation, welcoming children and families, developing lay leadership, and building relationships across cultures and faiths.
My interests include being a non-executive director (“expert by experience”) for Safe Spaces England and Wales, I support victims of abuse and believe the Church must continue to strengthen independence, transparency and accountability in safeguarding practice at every level, not just with parish clergy.
Creating safe spaces for all is central to my coaching practice and is something I care about deeply.
We must do what we need to create safe spaces for all.
Trust must be built from the ground up; we must move decisively to ensure our churches are genuinely safe spaces for those who are vulnerable or at risk, and that victims and survivors of abuse are genuinely cared for.
I lead several parish inititaives, including Kingdom Mass, Kingdom Mass Takeover and God’s Pilgrim Servants, creating welcoming and safe spaces where young people can encounter God, grow in faith, explore their vocation as Christians, and discover the gifts which God has given them.
Whether it's turning churchyards into safe spaces for local wildlife or encouraging our diocese to meet Net Zero goals, I want us to take practical action to protect the natural world around us.
Safeguarding: Creating Safe Spaces
A Safe and Transparent Culture: We must continue to make our churches genuinely safe spaces for everyone.
I believe that it is incredibly important to further the work of including neurodivergent people in the church and helping parishes provide safe spaces for them to not only learn more but also express their love for God.
I am passionate about creating safe spaces in which people can belong, raise concerns and be heard.
I consider marching in Brighton Pride a highlight of my Christian ministry in terms of breaking down barriers between us and the “world,” whilst promoting safe spaces and equality in the Church community.
I fully support safeguarding measures and believe our churches must be safe spaces for all, with concerns reported clearly and responsibly.