30/10/2024
The October meeting of the National Safeguarding Steering Group, NSSG, was chaired by the lead safeguarding bishop, Joanne Grenfell.
There was a discussion on the independent Scolding Report commissioned by Soul Survivor into the Mike Pilavachi case. Members heard the report and its recommendations will be looked at in more detail with a specific group convened to respond, details not yet confirmed.
Nazir Afzal, new independent chair of the National Safeguarding Panel, NSP, shared findings from his first meeting noting he had just stepped down as chair from independent catholic safeguarding body. He said the NSP is not so widely known in church, and it is meant to be about scrutiny and outcomes and that a paper would be coming to the next NSSG.
The National Safeguarding Team, NST, update included ongoing business along with a specific focus on the Makin review (noting particularly the delays), and the Blackburn cathedral BBC story which has resulted in a deeper look at risk assessments.
Members were asked to look a the Terms of Reference for an independent NST audit by INEQE (currently commissioned to carry out diocesan independent audits). There was a full discussion around the role of NST including in light of the Jay Report on future of Church safeguarding. It was agreed a further version would come back to the next meeting
IICSA Recommendation 1 legal change – members approved a proposal to amend the legislation that requires a bishop to approve the recommendation of a Diocesan Safeguarding Officer to undertake a clergy risk assessment. The proposal is made to address an inconsistency in Amending Canon 42. It is unlikely that any new legislation could go to Synod before July 2025.
Members heard the Safeguarding Programme highlight report on its discrete workstreams: IICSA 1&8 recommendations, national redress scheme, information sharing and the National Safeguarding Casework Management System.
NSSG approved the Safeguarding Code of Practice for Recognised Communities and the Safeguarding Code of Practice for Acknowledged Communities (the Codes) to go to February Synod.
Members heard about the work of the Theology and Safeguarding Group, chaired by deputy lead safeguarding bishop Robert Springett noting it was set up as a primarily theological group to nurture healthy, proactive cultures of safeguarding within the Church of England. Members endorsed the Terms of Reference which will be reviewed in 18 months’ time.
Members heard an update on the development of a survivor engagement framework, commissioned by NSSG in 2021. Members commended the work and in light of discussions it was agreed to bring the final version back to the NSSG at its next meeting.