Items filtered by date: May 2025
Past Cases Review 2
The Diocese of Derby has taken part in the most extensive review of safeguarding records ever conducted by the Church of England.
The purpose of PCR2 was to identify both good practice and institutional failings in relation to how allegations of abuse have been handled, assess any identified risks and respond to these where appropriate, and to provide recommendations to the Church that will lead to improvements in its safeguarding work.
The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, writes:
I, along with diocesan colleagues and Derby Cathedral, welcomed the opportunity offered by PCR2 to reflect on our practice.
We also welcome the advice and challenges arising from the report.
We are grateful for the level of detail in the 40 recommendations made by the Independent Reviewers for consideration by the diocese, cathedral or Church of England.
Many of these recommendations reiterate a process change that had been recognised by senior officers, and are underway or have already been completed.
We are committed to attending to the recommendations made and have been glad of the opportunity this process has provided to learn and improve.
Executive Summary of the Diocese of Derby Report
The PCR2 was jointly commissioned by the Diocese of Derby and Derby Cathedral.
It was completed between 26th April and 29th October 2021 by two independent safeguarding professionals.
The review process was overseen by a PCR Reference Group with an appointed independent chair.
The process achieved the PCR2 specific objectives and complied with the PCR2 Practice and Policy Guidance (PCR2 PPG) issued by the Church of England PCR2 Management Board.
In compliance with PCR2 PPG, the diocese was in Category B - those dioceses who did not need to carry out a repeat of the original PCR but who have not conducted further review work since January 2007.
The diocese did not seek any exemptions in the file review phase.
Derby Cathedral and the Diocese of Derby actively engaged with the PCR2 process, meeting all the requirements specified in the PCR2 PPG and the review was welcomed as a learning opportunity by the bishop and all those supporting the review, many of whom were new in post and seeking to benchmark their ongoing work.
The content of the PCR2 report was drawn from documented information, and discussion between the independent reviewers and key stakeholders in the diocese and Derby Cathedral.
In the Diocese of Derby, the file review phase consisted of 1,164 files and, as a result, one new case was identified.
Of the files reviewed, 70 were cathedral files.
>> Download the Diocese of Derby's Executive Summary [.pdf] (Republished on 7 October 2022 with a data amendment)
The PCR2 report can be read in full on the Church of England website.
Support
Support is available for anyone for whom this prompts the need to talk or seek help and the diocese is keen to help anyone who contacts them about safeguarding matters, however long ago they may have happened.
Contact details for the Safeguarding Team:
safeguarding@derby.anglican.org | 01332 388678
Further information - Downloads
>> PCR2 Background and Overview [PDF]
The Dean of Derby, the Bishop of Derby and His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire invite you to a Special Commemorative Service for the Coronation on Sunday, 7 May 2023.
The service, at Derby Cathedral, will start at 17:15 and those attending are asked to be in their seats by 17:00.
All are welcome to attend.
The Very Reverend Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, said: "The coronation is a significant moment in the life of both the Church of England and the nation, and it is right that we should celebrate it with prayer, thanks and worship.
"This service will also help the communities of Derby and Derbyyshire prepare for The Big Help Out, which takes place the following day."
Many churches across the country get involved in Thy Kingdom Come by holding an event linked to prayer and mission during the period between Ascension and Pentecost.
It might take the form of 24-7 prayer, virtual prayer meetings, or a Thy Kingdom Come-themed service on Pentecost Sunday, for example.
If you're planning a TKC event, be sure to gester it here: https://www.thykingdomcome.global/list-your-event
Around the Diocese
How will your church get involved?
Thy Kingdom Come is about helping churches to do what we are called to do by God - to pray for our communities and those in them to hear, experience and receive the Good News of Jesus.
Churches can get involved however they want, in any way that works for them.
See also: All about Thy Kingdom Come | #candleofhope | TKC resources
Three long-serving and dedicated members of the diocesan community have received Maundy money at this year's presentation, held at York Minster.
Canon Jack Cooper and Val Grahl were nominated for the honour by Bishop Libby.
It was the such service since the King's accession to the throne
Canon Jack, from Hathersage, is a PCC member, serves on Peak Deanery Synod, Diocesan Synod and Bishop's Council.
Val Grahl is a lay member of Chapter at Derby Cathedral, has served as co-chair of the Community Committee and is currently Interim Chair of the Cathedral Council.
They were joined at the service by Joan Plant, from Eyam, who was nominated by Buckingham Palace.
Joan has been churchwarden at Eyam St Lawrence and has an extensive knowledge of the history of the village and its association with the plague of 1665/6.
Special memories
Describing the occasion, Val Grahl said: "It was a very, very special day.
"King Charles presented me with the two purses, one red and one white, and held my hand and said how pleased he was to be able to give them to me.
"I simply replied, 'thank you, Your Majesty' as there was no time for a conversation, but it left me with a feeling of awe and sheer privilege to have received it from the King."
In the white purse were seven sets of silver 1p, 2p, 3p and 4p coins and an additional 4p coin - totalling 74p and signifying the King's age.
The red purse contained a silver 50 pence piece with the King's head and a depiction of the Windrush Generation, and a silver £5 coin embossed with the King's head and the number 75 to signify his next birthday.
There were about 2000 people in York Minster and they were treated to some 'wonderful organ music' before the service began, including works from Handel, Mendelssohn, Bairstow and Franck.
"The service itself began with a fanfare," said Val. "And then 2000 people singing Praise to the Holiest sent a shiver down my spine!
"The organisation was superb - so smooth - and there were people on hand to help with everything.
"I will never forget the special feeling of being in the Minster with the King and all those people."
In total, 74 men and 74 women received Maundy money, one for each year of the King's age.
Maundy Thursday is a symbolic ceremony, dating back to AD600, where the monarch gives out specially-minted coins.
The recipients are traditionally older members of society, who are recognised for their contribution to their church and community.
Christ Church, Hulland has been awarded a silver Eco Church award. Below are a few of the main initiatives undertaken in the five areas of church life that helped them achieve the award.
Worship
- Worship leaders followed the Green Lectionary during Creationtide.
- Messy Church Goes Wild had an outdoors nature scavenger hunt and an indoor session reflecting on creation.
- In Great Big Green Week, we presented ‘What is Eco Church?’ to our Mothers’ Union branch, followed by an eco- quiz.
The Church building
- We calculated the carbon footprint of our church in 2022 and agreed to attempt yearly improvements in energy efficiency.
- We continued with a recycling collection point for medication blister packs in the porch.
The Churchyard
- We had a ‘Churches Count on Nature’ event in June –see photo. Interested members of the church & community surveyed the churchyard on 2 occasions. We identified 110 species of plants and animals. Our records were sent to the National Biodiversity database.
- We installed a 3rd bird box and 2 bird feeders.
- We continued to manage the Conservation Area for nature as well as people.
Lifestyle
- Our church email and weekly Pews News regularly included items relating to caring for God’s earth and eco-tips towards a sustainable lifestyle.
- We had a Jigsaw Swap Sunday to facilitate re-use of puzzles.
Community and global engagement
- Letters, endorsed by the PCC, were written to our MP and County Councillor asking them to address nature loss and climate change as a priority in their recommendations and decision making.
- We continued to be a Fairtrade church.
- We twinned our toilet with one in Malawi through the Tear Fund scheme.
- We encouraged another church in our Benefice to get started with Eco Church
Penny Northall, Eco-church lead and PCC member said: “I would like to thank our Rector, Rev. Phil Michell, other worship leaders and the PCC for being so supportive in this eco-church endeavour. We are now working towards a gold award.”
28 April
The Revd Peter Barham, Vicar of Allestree St Edmund and Darley Abbey St Matthew and Diocesan Ecumenical Officer, Diocese of Derby, has announced his retirement. Peter’s last day in post will be Sunday, 30 April 2023 with his retirement taking effect from Monday, 1 May 2023.
27 April
The Revd Karen Bradley, Team Vicar in the East Scarsdale Team Ministry and Assistant Area Dean of Hardwick, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Area Dean of Hardwick with immediate effect. Karen will continue as Team Vicar alongside this role.
13 April
The Revd Cliff Warner, NSM of Swanwick and Pentrich (Derby) 1979-1988, NSM of Allestree St Edmund 1988-1998, who retired in 1998 and held the Bishop of Derby’s Permission to Officiate in retirement, died on Sunday, 2 April 2023. The funeral will take place on Thursday, 18 May 2023 at 11.15am at St Edmund’s Allestree.
6 April
Sarah Brown, Diocesan Children’s Adviser, Diocese of Derby, has decided to leave her role after 11 years in post. Sarah’s last day in post was Friday, 31 March 2023.
Hannah Hogg, Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed National Safeguarding Officer for Swim England. Hannah’s last day in post will be Friday, 30 June 2023. Arrangements regarding cover for this role will be announced in due course.
The Revd Neil Barber will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Sinfin St Stephen, and the Revd Will Eley will be licensed as Assistant Curate (known as Associate Minister) of Normanton-by-Derby and of Sinfin St Stephen, Diocese of Derby, on Monday, 24 April at 7pm at St Stephen’s Sinfin by the Bishop of Derby assisted by the Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire.
Joan Plant, from Eyam, has been revealed as one of the recipients of Maundy money at York Minister on 6 April.
And she said she "cried for a full half-hour" when, in February, she received her letter from Buckingham Palace inviting her to receive it.
She said: "My husband had gone down to make breakfast when the postman came.
"He brought the letter upstairs and said 'I think you'd better open this!'
"When I saw it had the Royal stamp on it I just looked at it for a few minutes, wondering what it was all about - and also thinking that the postman would be wondering what I'm doing!
"It was a big surprise and I just felt so humbled.
"I'm just a small person in a small village and I feel really honoured to be able to receive [the Maundy money].
"I'm not receiving it just for me, but taking the whole village with me, in my mind."
Joan has lived in Eyam - often known as the Plague Village - all her life.
She has been churchwarden and has an extensive knowledge of the history of the village and its association with the plague of 1665/6.
>> Parish spotlight: Eyam St Lawrence
>> Eyam recreated in fruit cake
The Revd Mike Gilbert, Rector of Eyam, expressed his delight for Joan.
He said: "I can't think of a better person to get it - she is pretty much 'Mrs Eyam'!
"Joan has been a long and faithful servant, not only to the church but also to the village and she is known, loved and respected by everyone here."
The King and Queen Consort will distribute the Maundy money at York Minster in the first such service since the death of Queen Elizabeth.
There will be 74 recipients, one for each year of the King's age.
Maundy Thursday is a symbolic ceremony, dating back to AD600, where the monarch gives out specially-minted coins.
The recipients are traditionally elderly people, who are recognised for their contribution to their church and community.
The Spring 2023 Safeguarding Newsletter has just been sent to all Parish Safeguarding Officers. If you do not receive a copy and would like to read more about the work happening in Safeguarding in the diocese and a little more about one of the safeguarding team you can download the newsletter here.
St Philip's Church in Chaddesden, Derby, has seen a growth in both community and congregation, thanks to its year-old café and support groups.
The church has positioned itself as a community facility and partnered with Derby County Community Trust and others to provide not only affordable meals, but also mental health groups for men, a dads' network, debt counselling and much more.
The Revd Sarah Watson, Enabling Minister for St Philip's, said: "What I kept hearing was 'weve got no pub, we've got no café, we've got no community space'.
"So I looked at this space and thought, well, why not?"
Following a period of planning and finding funding, the venture eventually got off the ground - initially on two days a week.
Now the church building is also a thriving community hub.
Revd Sarah said: "Many places have mum's groups available, but we have men's groups, a men's mental health group so to have a space for dads to come to is great.
"Having said that, a menopause group is also on the cards.
"We have craft groups, a fibromyalgia group and a debt clinic. The café is used by walking groups and a bowling group too.
"So I've told the community that we have an amazing space, and asked how can we facilitate this being a space that is here for the whole parish?"
Engaging with the community has also seen congregation numbers increase.
Some of those visiting now also go to Sunday services, and the Christmas Carol service saw more than 70 people go along - more than treble the previous year.
>> Find out more about St Philip's Chaddesden.
