Ruth Allan is a longstanding congregation member at Alfold and Loxwood Parish Church, where she serves as the voluntary Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). In her role as PSO, she supports the church’s volunteers and leadership in ensuring good safeguarding practices are followed in their activities with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
As well as her role in the parish, Ruth also sits on General Synod representing the diocese in the House of Laity. She has actively participated in Safeguarding matters, having delivered a speech during the Safeguarding Independence Debate in the February Group of Sessions 2024.
She shares her insights and experience on why it’s important to have safeguarding as an integral part of church ministry.
What does the term safeguarding mean to you? How does it align with your Christian faith and values?
We want everyone in our diocese and parishes to be able to learn about Jesus in a safe place.
Safeguarding should be the golden thread that runs throughout our church and a strong desire is for safeguarding to be fundamental to our culture. It is imperative to provide a safe, welcoming place, free from harm, harassment, bullying or any form of abuse for all, but especially two groups: children and young people and vulnerable adults.
I believe that safeguarding is rooted in the scriptures. We are safe with God. Last year, I studied John’s gospel and rediscovered the overwhelming love of Jesus. As the Good Shepherd, He guards His sheep and in John 17 Jesus prays to the Father for His followers, asking that they be protected from harm. We long to provide a place where this is true.
In Proverbs 31 we read:
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers”.
This is what we are called to do in our church community, as often children, young people and vulnerable adults may not be heard.
What steps do you take in your church to create a positive and proactive approach to safeguarding?
I believe that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Every church member can contribute to safeguarding by being informed, acting as "eyes and ears," supporting vulnerable people, and promoting a safe environment, while also respecting the roles of designated safeguarding leads.
I hope that everyone is aware of the church's safeguarding policy and procedures, and importantly, knows how to report a concern. This information is displayed in every church building.
As the Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), I am the key link between our church family and the diocese concerning all safeguarding matters. I have been appointed by, and I am accountable to the Parochial Church Council (PCC). You will find my profile on our parish website along with the Parish Safeguarding Policy and details of how to report a concern. Everyone in our church family knows that I am the PSO with the full support of our Rector. I have been interviewed on a Sunday morning and we plan a “safeguarding slot” in our services throughout the year.
Safeguarding is an item on the agenda at every PCC meeting. We have recently discussed two of the Safeguarding Worksheets: Promoting a Healthy and Safe Culture and Promoting the Welfare of Vulnerable Groups. These worksheets have been developed by the National Safeguarding Team. We have found the material invaluable.
The material has enabled us to consider how we can improve standards of safeguarding, and following our discussions, we agreed on an action plan. For example, it has been decided that additional training on child neglect awareness will be provided to all volunteers who work with children, including helpers at our Mums and Tots group.
How else do you involve the whole church community in safeguarding?
My primary task as PSO is to have an overview of all church activities involving children, young people and vulnerable adults, and to implement the Church of England’s safeguarding policy so that we ensure best practice and maintain compliance.
As PSO there are specific tasks to undertake, and the introduction of the evolving Parish Dashboard has transformed this work. The Church has policies, procedures and guidelines in place to ensure good practice. These include safe recruitment and support for all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults within the Church and to respond promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
As many may know, volunteers are required to complete safeguarding training. An encouraging highlight for me recently was when a volunteer completed her safeguarding training specific to her role, which included the Awareness of Domestic Abuse module. She said “This training is brilliant, and everyone in the church should do it!”
How have attitudes to safeguarding changed during your ministry?
Over the past few years, safeguarding within the church has a much higher profile than before. It is now an integral part of ministry and mission and continues to evolve significantly.
The publication of recent scandals has led to the development of robust policies and practices. In addition, two notable reviews, the Wilkinson Report and Jay Review, have highlighted the need for more scrutiny and accountability within the Church of England.
How have your views or understanding on safeguarding changed?
In September 2014, I attended a safeguarding event organised by the independent Christian charity Thirtyone:eight. From a place of naivety, my eyes were opened. I was shocked at the reported level of abuse within Christian Communities.
Subsequently, having personally encountered victims of abuse, I have gained a deeper understanding of the devastating trauma that has the potential to ruin lives. Therefore, I wish to undertake the task of Parish Safeguarding Officer seriously and to the best of my ability.
How have you found working with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team?
We are privileged in our diocese to have a highly professional Safeguarding Team. Each member is readily available. The help and support that I have received has been invaluable. No question is too trivial to ask! Jackie (the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer) has fully supported me in my role, having faced unexpected, serious challenges that I felt were beyond my comfort zone. As a result, I feel more equipped in my role as PSO.