On Saturday we held our annual Parish Safeguarding Representatives Conference at Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre. Over 40 Parish Safeguarding Representatives were in attendance from across the diocese.
The theme of this year’s conference was Modern Slavery, and was entitled’, ‘Hidden Journeys – Unveiling exploitation in the UK’. The day was led by Deborah Fisher and Alex Miranda, from the diocese’s Caritas team, as well as Rev. Edwina Fennemore from the Clewer Institute.
In the morning Deborah spoke about Catholic Social Teaching on modern slavery. Edwina then outlined what modern slavery might look like in our diocese and how to share concerns safely. Edwina emphasised the need to work together ecumenically.
One of our parish priests, Fr Victor Agbaka spoke about situations where someone was at risk of exploitation, and the need to be aware of cultural differences that might make it hard to tell someone what is happening to them.
In the afternoon, Alex gave a presentation about what we can do in our communities to protect and support people that may be victims of modern slavery. She emphasised that it was important to inform the Safeguarding Office about any concerns.
During the day the opportunity was taken to thank our Parish Safeguarding Representatives who have been in role for 10 years or more for the service they give voluntarily in their parish. This included:
10 years service – 3 Parish Safeguarding Representatives
11 years service – 3 Parish Safeguarding Representatives
12 years service – 3 Parish Safeguarding Representatives
15 years service – 2 Parish Safeguarding Representatives
16 years service – 3 Parish Safeguarding Representatives
17 years service – 2 Parish Safeguarding Representatives
19 years service – 3 Parish Safeguarding Representatives
20 years service – 7 Parish Safeguarding Representatives
A new award has been created to recognise outstanding contributions made to safeguarding in the diocese. The award is called ‘The Saint Germaine Award in recognition of contribution to safeguarding in the Diocese of Plymouth’. This award was created in recognition of Bob Brown, the former Safeguarding Coordinator for the diocese, who retired from the role earlier this year after 14 years. The first recipient of the award is Geoff Provis, who was a longstanding Parish Safeguarding Representative, that was proactive and diligent in this role for many years and helped to shape the role that it has become today.
We are thankful to Geoff and to all of our Parish Safeguarding Representatives who work hard, often behind the scenes, in our churches.
Geoff Provis receiving the The Saint Germaine Award.
If you have any concerns that you would like to discuss with the Safeguarding Office please call 01364 645430 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 4:30pm).