Parish role in safeguarding vital, says CofE lead bishop

"The core base of all church safeguarding is the work done in our parishes: this is where safeguarding is worked out every day of the week, and all church policies and practices have to be designed for this. It is here too that sadly the misuse and abuse of power that lie at the heart of all abuse most often happens."

Writing in a blog published today Bishop Paul talks both about the importance of safeguarding in the local church along with how we must continue to invest in the future. "Where people have been abused we must respond well and not try to brush things under the carpet. How we respond can give confidence about present practice. I genuinely have some concern that so much time, energy and expenditure is being put into 'the past' that the present might be at risk of being compromised and the future inadequately invested in. We must respond well to the past but we must also ensure the present is the best that it can be."

Bishop Paul also spoke about the importance of engaging with survivors: "One of the deepest learnings personally has been through engaging with survivors. I am deeply grateful to all those who have openly shared with me."

Bishop of Bath and Wells, Peter Hancock, who is taking on the role said: "It is an enormous privilege and challenge to be taking this on - safeguarding must be everyone's responsibility as it is about the wellbeing of everyone. I am indebted to the leadership and commitment shown by Bishop Paul and recognise the immense changes that have already taken place. But we must never be complacent and must work with and walk alongside survivors for whom the effects of abuse can be lifelong. We must be aware that it is an ongoing journey to make the Church a safer place for all."