30/01/2024
The Bishop of Tewkesbury, Robert Springett, has been appointed a deputy lead bishop for safeguarding, with a focus on liaison with diocesan bishops on behalf of the National Safeguarding Steering Group (NSSG). He brings with him more than 30 years of parish and diocesan ministry leadership and takes over from the Bishop of Bristol, Viv Faull. He became Bishop of Tewkesbury in 2016.
Bishop Robert will work closely with the Lead Bishop for Safeguarding, Joanne Grenfell, and the National Director for Safeguarding, Alexander Kubeyinje, to continue to develop the Church’s safeguarding practices. He will also work closely with Bishop Julie Conalty, deputy lead bishop who has a focus on survivor engagement.
Along with being a member of the NSSG, Bishop Robert will also sit on the National Safeguarding Panel, attend the House of Bishops and be a member of the Theology of Safeguarding Group and the Safeguarding Programme Board.
Speaking about his appointment, Bishop Robert said: "I am very pleased to have the opportunity to serve in this role and to share with Bishops Joanne and Julie in bringing my experience of parish and diocesan ministry to the task of developing a robust and healthy safeguarding culture in the Church.”
Lead safeguarding bishop, Joanne Grenfell said::”I am delighted that Bishop Robert has agreed to take on this role bringing his long experience in ministry to help lead and promote good safeguarding across the Church. Together with Bishop Julie we will work to create a healthy culture in the work that goes on every day across all our churches, with a strong focus on the needs of victims and survivors.
I would like to thank Bishop Viv for all she has done, particularly in the Lords and the Anglican Communion Safe Church Commission and I know she will continue to support and promote good safeguarding in her national and diocesan roles, and I look forward to continuing to work with her.”
Notes
Bishop Robert was consecrated as Bishop of Tewkesbury in 2016 having previously been Archdeacon of Cheltenham in the same Diocese from 2010. As Bishop of Tewkesbury he shares with the Bishop of Gloucester in the oversight of the work and ministry of the church in diocese which covers the whole of Gloucestershire and parts of South Gloucestershire. He has particular interests in education and in the new housing.
Before moving to Gloucestershire Robert, who studied business before reading Theology at Nottingham and undertaking postgraduate studies at Kings College London, was Rector of Wanstead, in East London. He was also Area Dean of the London Borough of Redbridge and an Honorary Canon of Chelmsford Cathedral. Prior to this he served as a curate in Colchester and then Basildon, parish priest in South Ockendon, Thurrock and as Area Dean of Thurrock.