Happy summertime to all.
The Safeguarding Team has been focused on analysing the data from the Annual Safeguarding Returns. This is vital to identifying strategic priorities. Also we have some policy and statutory updates for you all.

Deuteronomy 10:17-19 “For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awe-inspiring God, showing no partiality and taking no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the resident alien, giving him food and clothing.

Synod safeguarding reviews
In response to recommendations made by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), the URC has been looking at ways to strengthen quality assurance of safeguarding practice across the denomination. One way that we are doing this is through the introduction of Synod safeguarding reviews. This involves Synods completing a self-assessment and providing copies of policies and other relevant documentation. There are online questionnaires for Church Safeguarding Coordinators and Ministers/CRCWs to provide feedback. Two members of the Offices of General Assembly Safeguarding Team then visit the Synod for a discussion based on all the information collected. A sample of cases are also reviewed. The process is intended to be collaborative and to highlight examples of good practice as well as to highlight areas where further work is needed. Following two very helpful ‘pilot’ reviews in East Midlands and South-Western Synods, the process is now being extended to all Synods. A resolution was passed at General Assembly 2026 confirming that all Synods will be expected to participate in a safeguarding review once every 3 years.

https://urc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Safeguarding-Committee-Strategic-Plan.pdf

For further reading see below: