Child protection seminars to boost safety in region’s religious groups

The day-long meeting on Saturday, October 5, will be split into two sessions, beginning with a talk called Facing the Unthinkable, which will be led by the Church Child Protection Advisory Service and cover topics including how to deal with concerns or allegations of abuse, safeguarding policies and safe recruiting.

The East Riding’s Safeguarding Children Board will then present a seminar dealing with its role, managing allegations locally, the role of the church safeguarding officer, and current high profile issues and concerns.

There will also be a question and answer session at the end of the day involving all speakers.

Bron Sanders, the independent chairman of the board, said: “Safeguarding children and child protection has a very high profile in the national media with major investigations into historical and organised child abuse throughout the country.

“These involve individuals, organisations, groups and networks.

“Within the Anglican and Catholic church, independent reviews have been completed or are still current into the handling of alleged child abuse and church leaders have been forced to issue apologies for very serious past failings.

“Many lessons have been learned and a great deal has been achieved over recent years to protect children, not only those involved in church and faith groups but with those groups playing a huge part in protecting children in the home and the community.

“Churches are also major providers of children and youth services locally. Church and faith groups have a key role in protecting children and this event will ensure that we keep children safe in the East Riding.”

The event is being held at the Mercure Grange Hotel in Willerby. To book a place call Detty Tyler on 01482 871077.