23/09/2026
Parish Safeguarding Officers (PSOs) from across the Church of England were recognised and thanked at special services held at Bishopthorpe, Lambeth Palace and St Paul's Cathedral this month.
Parish Safeguarding Officers play a vital role in promoting good safeguarding across the whole of the Church of England. Working largely as volunteers, they support good safeguarding practice within parish life, offer guidance and support, and help create safer environments where people are protected, heard and supported.
The services brought together representatives nominated by their dioceses on behalf of the thousands of PSOs serving in parishes across the country. They provided an opportunity to give thanks for the essential contribution Parish Safeguarding Officers make in helping to build safer church communities.
In his sermon at St Paul's Cathedral, the lead bishop for safeguarding, Bishop Robert Springett, spoke about the values and convictions that underpin safeguarding work across the Church:
"Safeguarding begins with the conviction that every human being is created in the image of God (...) and therefore possesses an irreducible dignity that must be honoured, protected and nurtured."
The services, organised by the National Safeguarding Team's Learning and Development department, recognised the commitment, care, compassion and dedication shown by Parish Safeguarding Officers every day. They also provided an opportunity for attendees to meet one another and share their experiences with the Archbishops, senior safeguarding leaders and colleagues from across the Church.
Addressing the Parish Safeguarding Officers, Alexander Kubeyinje, the National Director of Safeguarding, said:
“Safeguarding is at the heart of the Church’s mission. I want to thank you for listening, for responding, for all you do, from the bottom of my heart, because you are making the church a safer place.”