Diocesan Safeguarding Team visit to Jersey

In September 2021 Suzy (Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor), Jem (Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor) and Jonathan (Safeguarding Trainer) travelled to Jersey to meet with our safeguarding partners and develop knowledge of local safeguarding provisions. Whilst the legal process to formally link the Channel Islands with Salisbury Diocese continues, safeguarding and pastoral responsibility has been provided since October 2020. 

A very warm welcome was extended to us, and it was so lovely to be able to meet people we had only previously spoken to on the phone or online. Since we attended Deanery Chapter, we were able to meet many of the Jersey clergy. A focus group for Church Safeguarding Officers was held and a number of training sessions delivered on the topics of Understanding Domestic Abuse, and ‘Train the Trainer’. In addition, we had meetings with other key agencies linked with safeguarding, including Dewberry House (Jersey’s Sexual Abuse Referral Centre), Jersey Domestic Abuse Support (JDAS), and the Jersey Safeguarding Partnership Board. 

Alongside circulating as widely as possible, we were also able to sample some amazing Jersey cuisine, including our first taste of Jersey Black Butter - now a firm favourite of the Futcher household - we enjoyed a couple of sea swims and even saw the Red Arrows. 

We would like to give a special mention to Beverley Sproats, Jersey Deanery Safeguarding Lead who helped organise the trip and hosted us brilliantly during our stay.  

It is a real pleasure to be partnering with Jersey in our safeguarding journey and we look forward to another visit in the summer of 2022. 

Kind regards, 

Suzy, Jem and Jonathan.