This page is maintained by Gareth Greenwood
If you need urgent advice about a safeguarding matter out of office hours (evenings, weekends and Bank Holiday closures) please call:
Thirtyone:eight – telephone: 0303 003 1111
Callers should state that they are calling from the Diocese of Derby.
In an emergency (especially if someone is in immediate danger of harm) you should always call 999 and ask for the police/ambulance.
If you do not need advice urgently, you can report your concern by following the link ‘Report a safeguarding concern here’. Your request will be responded to on the next working day.
The full review can be read here. Links to further information may be found below.
Keith Makin, who led the independent review said, “The abuse at the hands of John Smyth was prolific and abhorrent. Words cannot adequately describe the horror of what transpired.
“Many of the victims who took the brave decision to speak to us about what they experienced have carried this abuse silently for more than 40 years.
“Despite the efforts of some individuals to bring the abuse to the attention of authorities, the responses by the Church of England and others were wholly ineffective and amounted to a coverup.
“The Church and its associated organisations must learn from this review and implement robust safeguarding procedures across their organisations that are governed independently.
“This has been a long process but a necessary one to uncover the extent of John Smyth’s despicable behaviour and how the Church reacted to it.
“I would like to sincerely thank the victims for their courage, grace and dignity and I would like to remind everyone reporting on this review about their right to anonymity and privacy.”
The Church of England’s Lead Safeguarding Bishop, Joanne Grenfell, and the National Director of Safeguarding, Alexander Kubeyinje said, “We are deeply sorry for the horrific abuse inflicted by the late John Smyth and its lifelong effects, already spanning more than 40 years.
“The review concludes that Smyth is arguably the most prolific serial abuser to be associated with the Church of England. We know that no words can undo the damage done to people’s lives both by him and by the failure of individuals in the Church and other institutions to respond well. We are also aware that the time the review has taken, which the reviewer addresses, as well as the details now in the public domain have been retraumatising for survivors.
“We highlight the comment in the review from a deceased cleric (David Fletcher) who was aware in the 1980s, along with others, of the extent of the abuse: ‘I thought it would do the work of God immense damage if this were public’.
“We are appalled that any clergy person could believe that covering up abuse was justified in the name of the Gospel, which is about proclaiming Good News to the poor and healing the broken hearted. It was wrong for a seemingly privileged group from an elite background to decide that the needs of victims should be set aside, and that Smyth’s abuse should not therefore be brought to light.
“Every member of the Church is responsible for a culture in which victims are heard, responded to well, and put first: there is never a place for covering up abuse.
“We are aware of criticisms in the report of individuals and organisations and names of clergy were passed to the National Safeguarding Team, NST, from the reviewer (see below Terms of Reference).
“Of those who were interviewed 25 were questioned about their knowledge of Smyth and had their safeguarding risk assessed. The reviewer also had a duty to pass on information to statutory authorities including police if appropriate. Permissions to officiate were removed for some clergy while their actions were considered. Some seriously criticised in the report are deceased, others are not.
“The NST will now consider if there is any new evidence in the report that needs to be considered to assess if there is any ongoing safeguarding risk and if there is evidence to support any disciplinary process.
“The report also highlights Smyth’s abuse in Zimbabwe, where a boy died and many more were abused. It is clear that Smyth went abroad in the early 1980s following the discovery of his abuse here and in full knowledge of the church officers named in the report. The reviewer urges the Church to consider commissioning a report into Smyth’s actions both in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“We will now seek to progress this in appropriate ways (noting the recommendation for international information sharing) and liaise with counterparts there who would need to lead on any subsequent investigation, which we would fully support.
“We also note the criticism of the Church's response in 2013 and 2017. We apologise unreservedly that the needs of the victims were not at the forefront in terms of thinking and planning and the response was not trauma informed. We will continue to learn lessons about responding well which is reflected in our revised guidance and survivor engagement framework.
“We welcome all the recommendations and will consider them now in detail, noting work already underway. We wholeheartedly endorse the reviewer’s emphasis that safeguarding must be everyone’s responsibility in the Church, working closely with safeguarding professionals.”
The Diocese of Derby is pleased to announce that Lisa Marriott has been appointed as Head of Safeguarding.
Lisa joins the Parish Support Team from Derbyshire County Council, where she was the team manager in the Children's Services, Early Help and Safeguarding team.
On starting her role, Lisa said: "I am thrilled to be here at Derby Church House to support parishes and churches with their safeguarding responsibilities.
"I am extremely passionate about safeguarding and making people feel safe and being able to live their life how they want to live it.
"I want us to be transparent about the way we work and for people to have full confidence in our churches as safe places where we welcome everyone."
Lisa also holds the designation Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and will advise the bishop on matters relating to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.
She will lead the Safeguarding team and sit within the operational Senior Leadership Team.
Modern Slavery briefing is an optional session looking at national and local statistics and the issues around modern slavery.
We will explore what it may look like, the most common forms of modern slavery, and what to do if you have a concern.
This lasts for 60 minutes on Zoom.
2024 Dates
MS/02 Tuesday 5th November 7.30-8.30pm - Zoom - COURSE CANCELLED
More Safeguarding courses
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Basic Safeguarding Awareness +
The Basic course (formerly C0) is for everyone who has contact with the public, whether face-to-face or on the phone. It can be completed by any member of the congregation, to support awareness raising and a culture of support and vigilance in the Church. This is a pre-requisite module for completing any other core training module. This is self-directed learning available online via the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal. It generally takes between 60 and 90 minutes… See More -
Safeguarding Foundation Training +
Foundations Training (formerly C1) is for those who hold responsibility for the safeguarding of others within church settings and activities. It can be completed by any member of the congregation, to support awareness raising and a culture of support and vigilance in the Church. This is a pre-requisite for completing Leadership training for clergy, readers, churchwardens, and others in leadership roles. This is self-directed learning available online via the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal. It generally… See More -
Safeguarding Leadership Training +
The Leadership Course is a requirement for all those who have any leadership responsibility in the church. All those with Bishop’s licence (Clergy, readers and Lay Ministers), Churchwardens, and many others who hold positions of leadership in work with children, young people or adults who may be at risk or are vulnerable must complete this course. Others in the church are also welcome to attend, as training adds to culture change in the church. The evaluation… See More -
PtO (Permission to Officiate) Safeguarding Training +
This course is for readers with PtO, and for clergy with PtO who are not heavily involved in ministry, unless the Bishop’s Office requires certain delegates to do the Safeguarding Leadership course instead. There are no courses planned at present. Please email amanda.sandland@derby.anglican.org to be placed on a waiting list to be contacted about future courses. Safeguarding training courses Select a course to view and bookSee More-
Basic Safeguarding Awareness +
The Basic course (formerly C0) is for everyone who has contact with the public, whether face-to-face or on the phone. It can be completed by any member of the congregation, to support awareness raising and a culture of support and vigilance in the Church. This is a pre-requisite module for completing any other core training module. This is self-directed learning available online via the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal. It generally takes between 60 and 90 minutes… See More -
Safeguarding Foundation Training +
Foundations Training (formerly C1) is for those who hold responsibility for the safeguarding of others within church settings and activities. It can be completed by any member of the congregation, to support awareness raising and a culture of support and vigilance in the Church. This is a pre-requisite for completing Leadership training for clergy, readers, churchwardens, and others in leadership roles. This is self-directed learning available online via the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal. It generally… See More -
Safeguarding Leadership Training +
The Leadership Course is a requirement for all those who have any leadership responsibility in the church. All those with Bishop’s licence (Clergy, readers and Lay Ministers), Churchwardens, and many others who hold positions of leadership in work with children, young people or adults who may be at risk or are vulnerable must complete this course. Others in the church are also welcome to attend, as training adds to culture change in the church. The evaluation… See More -
PtO (Permission to Officiate) Safeguarding Training +
This course is for readers with PtO, and for clergy with PtO who are not heavily involved in ministry, unless the Bishop’s Office requires certain delegates to do the Safeguarding Leadership course instead. There are no courses planned at present. Please email amanda.sandland@derby.anglican.org to be placed on a waiting list to be contacted about future courses. Safeguarding training courses Select a course to view and bookSee More-
Basic Safeguarding Awareness +
The Basic course (formerly C0) is for everyone who has contact with the public, whether face-to-face or on the phone. It can be completed by any member of the congregation, to support awareness raising and a culture of support and vigilance in the Church. This is a pre-requisite module for completing any other core training module. This is self-directed learning available online via the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal. It generally takes between 60 and 90 minutes… See More -
Safeguarding Foundation Training +
Foundations Training (formerly C1) is for those who hold responsibility for the safeguarding of others within church settings and activities. It can be completed by any member of the congregation, to support awareness raising and a culture of support and vigilance in the Church. This is a pre-requisite for completing Leadership training for clergy, readers, churchwardens, and others in leadership roles. This is self-directed learning available online via the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal. It generally… See More -
Safeguarding Leadership Training +
The Leadership Course is a requirement for all those who have any leadership responsibility in the church. All those with Bishop’s licence (Clergy, readers and Lay Ministers), Churchwardens, and many others who hold positions of leadership in work with children, young people or adults who may be at risk or are vulnerable must complete this course. Others in the church are also welcome to attend, as training adds to culture change in the church. The evaluation… See More -
PtO (Permission to Officiate) Safeguarding Training +
This course is for readers with PtO, and for clergy with PtO who are not heavily involved in ministry, unless the Bishop’s Office requires certain delegates to do the Safeguarding Leadership course instead. There are no courses planned at present. Please email amanda.sandland@derby.anglican.org to be placed on a waiting list to be contacted about future courses. Safeguarding training courses Select a course to view and book [module-556] See More -
Raising Awareness of and Responding Well to Domestic Abuse Training +
This course is required for all churchwardens, clergy, readers, and many other church officers. It is recommended but not required for PCC members. It is delivered through two sessions of one hour and 45 minutes, either on the same day or on different days. This must be completed either on Zoom or in-person. It highlights this area of abuse which is a major issue in many of our communities and looks at the indicators of abuse in… See More -
Safer Recruitment and People Management Training +
This session is for clergy, PSOs, and anyone responsible for appointments and line-management. This course explores the national Safer Recruitment and People Management guidance. It is increasingly clear that safeguarding issues often arise when a safer recruitment process has not been followed, or corners have been cut. This course can be done as a national e-learning course available online via the Church of England Training Portal, which takes about 75 minutes to complete. If you… See More -
Modern Slavery Briefing +
Modern Slavery briefing is an optional session looking at national and local statistics and the issues around modern slavery. We will explore what it may look like, the most common forms of modern slavery, and what to do if you have a concern. This lasts for 60 minutes on Zoom. 2024 Dates MS/02 Tuesday 5th November 7.30-8.30pm - Zoom - COURSE CANCELLED More Safeguarding courses [module-556] See More
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Raising Awareness of and Responding Well to Domestic Abuse Training +
This course is required for all churchwardens, clergy, readers, and many other church officers. It is recommended but not required for PCC members. It is delivered through two sessions of one hour and 45 minutes, either on the same day or on different days. This must be completed either on Zoom or in-person. It highlights this area of abuse which is a major issue in many of our communities and looks at the indicators of abuse in… See More -
Safer Recruitment and People Management Training +
This session is for clergy, PSOs, and anyone responsible for appointments and line-management. This course explores the national Safer Recruitment and People Management guidance. It is increasingly clear that safeguarding issues often arise when a safer recruitment process has not been followed, or corners have been cut. This course can be done as a national e-learning course available online via the Church of England Training Portal, which takes about 75 minutes to complete. If you… See More -
Modern Slavery Briefing +
Modern Slavery briefing is an optional session looking at national and local statistics and the issues around modern slavery. We will explore what it may look like, the most common forms of modern slavery, and what to do if you have a concern. This lasts for 60 minutes on Zoom. 2024 Dates MS/02 Tuesday 5th November 7.30-8.30pm - Zoom - COURSE CANCELLED More Safeguarding courses [module-556] See More
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Raising Awareness of and Responding Well to Domestic Abuse Training +
This course is required for all churchwardens, clergy, readers, and many other church officers. It is recommended but not required for PCC members. It is delivered through two sessions of one hour and 45 minutes, either on the same day or on different days. This must be completed either on Zoom or in-person. It highlights this area of abuse which is a major issue in many of our communities and looks at the indicators of abuse in… See More -
Safer Recruitment and People Management Training +
This session is for clergy, PSOs, and anyone responsible for appointments and line-management. This course explores the national Safer Recruitment and People Management guidance. It is increasingly clear that safeguarding issues often arise when a safer recruitment process has not been followed, or corners have been cut. This course can be done as a national e-learning course available online via the Church of England Training Portal, which takes about 75 minutes to complete. If you… See More -
Modern Slavery Briefing +
Modern Slavery briefing is an optional session looking at national and local statistics and the issues around modern slavery. We will explore what it may look like, the most common forms of modern slavery, and what to do if you have a concern. This lasts for 60 minutes on Zoom. 2024 Dates MS/02 Tuesday 5th November 7.30-8.30pm - Zoom - COURSE CANCELLED More Safeguarding courses [module-556] See More
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This is an update regarding DBS checks for PCC members and churchwardens (ex officio PCC members), because guidance has recently changed.
Whether PCC members and churchwardens are entitled to an enhanced DBS check is dependent on the nature of the arrangements in the particular church body - requirements will therefore vary across different parishes and churches.
Being a member of a PCC does not automatically mean that the DBS threshold for an enhanced DBS check is met, unless the parish conducts work with children or vulnerable adults. This is because an enhanced DBS check without barred list check can only be applied for if the PCC itself qualifies as a children's or vulnerable adult's charity, or if an individual PCC member is undertaking work with children or vulnerable adults.
Therefore, if your parish does NOT do any work with children and/or vulnerable adults, your PCC members do NOT need an enhanced DBS check. If you wish to carry out a DBS check, that will be limited to a Basic check at the cost to the parish of £22.79 each (correct as at 15 May 2024).
If your parish DOES do any work with children and/or vulnerable adults, your PCC members should have an enhanced volunteer DBS check (without barred list), in their capacity of trustee. The Charity Commission states that 'whenever there is a legal entitlement to obtain a DBS check in respect of such a trustee, a check should be carried out'. The PCC member does not need to work with children or vulnerable adults themselves tobe eligible for this check - they are being checked because of the work of the charity.
Please note:
Churchwardens are ex officio members of the PCC, so where the PCC qualifies as a children's or vulnerable adult's charity, then the churchwardens, along with the other members of the PCC as trustees of a children's or vulnerable adult's charity, should also have an enhanced volunteers DBS check without barred list check.
The Diocese of Derby has created a template policy for the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders which may be downloaded and completed by Benefices and Parishes. It can be downloaded here.
The Diocese of Derby Safeguarding team in partnership with the Derby Association of Church Bellringers (the Assiociation) has developed guidance which applies to all Bellringers in Church of England towers in the Diocese of Derby, whether or not they belong to the Association.
The Guidance can be downloaded here
Predatory Marriage - Daphne Franks
Joan Blass and Daphne Franks at Joan’s 90th Birthday Party, April 2014
Please watch the documentary about our story – the third in the series “Inheritance Wars: Who Gets the Money” – Channel Five, 9pm, October 1, 2023 and on Channel Five catch-up after that
“Your mother and her man friend – did you know they were married?” So, with a phone call from Joan Blass’s doctor, began a horrific series of events which have highlighted the gaps in safeguarding for the elderly and the vulnerable, both at the time of marriage and in the Law.
In March 2016 Joan Blass was almost 92 years old, with severe vascular dementia and terminal cancer. She was unable to make the simplest decision and never knew that she had remarried just five months before her death.
Joan’s daughter Daphne Franks tells the story of a secret marriage, a revoked will, an unmarked grave, grooming, gaslighting, a Private Member’s Bill and a campaign to highlight all the issues. The Franks family hope to fill all the gaps so nothing like this will ever happen to another family in the future – because, as they have learned, it’s currently happening to many of our elderly and vulnerable and their families.
This story is “right up there amongst the most shocking we’ve come across in the ten years that we’ve been making this programme.” - Angela Rippon, Rip-Off Britain, BBC Television.
Daphne Franks, 67, is a teacher who worked at Leeds Medical School for many years, teaching Communication Skills and other non-clinical courses. She is still teaching freelance part-time. Daphne now lives in Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, with her husband Stephen, son Oliver, daughter-in-law Alex and adorable granddaughter Linnet, two!
Issues with current safeguards*:
- • If the victim has set up a power of attorney, the attorney is not notified if the victim marries.
- • Notifications of marriage are displayed on notice boards in register offices and are not easily searchable or listed online.
- • No evidence is kept at the point of marriage – no video or audio recordings – once a marriage certificate is attained the following impact on wills is almost impossible to challenge.
- • Registrars have responsibility for judgment of mental capacity on the day. These persons may not have training on dementia or mental capacity.
- • There is an absence of joined up safeguarding between different relevant organisations and an absence of standardised safeguarding or mental capacity training.
(* Credit: Hourglass March 2022)
www.predatorymarriage.uk
www.justiceforjoan.com
www.facebook.com/predatorymarriage
info@predatorymarriage.uk
This information may be downloaded here
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 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.
The latest 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.
Technology can help to keep people safe. But abusers can also use technology to cause harm.
This day marks the start of 16 Days of Action for Violence Against Women and Girls. So to support this campaign, The ann craft trust is raising awareness of the role technology has in exacerbating instances of domestic abuse.
A poster is avaialble to download highlighting that technology could be used to empower domestic abusers and can be had to spot and difficult to escape. You may download it here.
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Todays theme for Safeguarding Adults Week is Elder Abuse.
Elder abuse is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.
The World Health Organisation has found that rates of elder abuse have increased since the pandemic. Around one in six people aged 60 years and older experience some form of abuse in a community setting. Also, rates of elder abuse are high in institutions such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Two thirds of staff report that they have committed abuse in the past year.
A poster to promote awareness can be downloaded here
Continuing the week of contemporary safeguarding issues today we look at safeguarding in everyday life. One of the main ways we can achieve this is to promote safer cultures. This is all about how our Churches and individuals can take steps to minimise harm occurring in the first instance. It’s also about embedding appropriate policies and procedures. In this way, people will know what to do if they have a concern to report. In addition, the churches will have a plan in place for acting on concerns. All PCC's must have a Safeguarding Policy in place.
You can download a poster to promote Safer Cultures here
Conitinuing the theme of Safeguarding Adults week 2022 of contemporary issues of Safeguarding, todays isue is Self Neglect. The ann craft trust writes
"The term “self-neglect” covers a wide range of behaviour neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings.
We’ve seen a rise in self-neglect cases over the last two years, particularly for older people.
On this day you can explore how you can spot the signs someone is at risk of self-neglect. We’ll also provide practical guidance about how to start difficult conversations and respond to those at risk, while maintaining autonomy."
You can download a poster here to encourage people to explore this area themsleves.
Criminals Are Forcing Adults at Risk to Traffic Drugs. Please see the downloadable fact sheet from the ann craft trust here.
