Introduction from Bishop Robert, Lead Bishop for Safeguarding
Safeguarding in the Church of England is not simply about compliance with guidance or completing the right forms. It is about people and for those of us who seek to follow Jesus, it is about how we live our faith. It’s Not Just Policy, It’s Personal is a timely reminder that at the heart of every safeguarding concern is a human being who has taken a brave and often costly step in speaking about harm.
The Makin Report has rightly challenged us to be confident that abuse, whether current or non‑recent, is being recognised, reported and responded to well. That confidence is built not only through clear processes, but through the quality of our human response when someone discloses a concern. How we listen, how we explain what will happen next, and how carefully we handle what is shared can make a profound difference to whether people feel believed, respected and protected.
The four Rs - Recognise, Respond, Record and Refer - are not tick‑boxes. They are a framework that helps us act justly and compassionately, ensuring that concerns are taken seriously and passed to those who can help keep people safe. Doing this well serves both the person at the centre of the disclosure and the wider community.
I commend this campaign and its resources to dioceses, parishes and all church officers. I hope they will support us all to approach safeguarding disclosures with clarity, care and courage, so that our practice reflects not only our policies, but our Christian commitment to dignity, truth and protection for all.
'It's Not Just Policy, It's Personal' is a campaign to raise awareness of how to recognise and report safeguarding concerns. The campaign will run from 1st June - 14th June 2026. The resources are designed to build confidence in responding and taking appropriate action.
We have developed a suite of resources available to download below. These are designed to be flexible and can be used in a way that suits your setting, whether digitally, in print, or as part of local conversations. A guide to using the resources is included to help you decide how best to use them in your context.
The materials are based upon the Reporting Safeguarding Concerns & Allegations Code of Practice which can be found here.
Statement from Alexander Kubeyinje, National Director for Safeguarding
Safeguarding can sometimes feel focused on policy and process. While these are essential, at its heart safeguarding is about people, and about how we respond when someone finds the courage to speak up. Listening is central to this work - it builds trust and helps ensure the Church is a safer place for everyone.
Our campaign, It’s Not Just Policy, It’s Personal, is about giving you the confidence to act when it matters. The four Rs (Recognise, Respond, Record and Refer) are there to support you to help ensure that every concern is heard, taken seriously, and acted upon with care.
During National Volunteers' Week, I want to express my sincere thanks to all who support safeguarding across our Church, especially Parish Safeguarding Officers. You carry significant responsibility, often alongside many other commitments. Your work, listening, responding, and supporting others in difficult moments, may not always be visible, but it is deeply valued. It makes a real difference to individuals, communities, and the life of the Church.
Safeguarding is not just about doing things right; it is about doing the right thing for the person in front of you. Because it’s not just policy, it’s personal.