The Diocese of Worcester Children's Work

The safety and well-being of all the children and young people we welcome into our churches and involve in our parish activities is paramount and is the key to “Protecting All God’s Children” in the Diocese.

The Safeguarding and Child Protection Management Group in the Diocese is led by Bishop David, assisted by Maria Johnson who is his professional adviser on all matters relating to the safeguarding and protection of children. Maria's role is to offer advice and guidance to all parishes, develop diocesan and parish policies and procedures and to deal with case relating to the protection of children. The group also includes a parish priest, a representative from the Cathedral, the Diocesan Secretary and other professionals working with children and young people in our churches.

In 2008 a new diocesan policy for child protection entitled ‘Safeguarding Children in the Diocese of Worcester’ was published and circulated to all Parish Representatives for Child Protection. It contains guidance, policies and all the relevant paperwork for use when recruiting people to voluntary and paid roles within the parish.  Parishes without a parish representative should contact Andrea Lugo, administrator for Child Protection and CRB at the Diocesan Office to obtain a copy on 01905 732811 or

alugo@cofe-worcester.org.uk.

The policy has also been published online: Safeguarding Children in the Diocese of Worcester

Who’s Who?

The Bishop’s Adviser for Child Protection: Maria Johnson

Maria’s role is to offer advice, support and guidance in matters relating to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people. She can be contacted on 01886 853566 or maria.johnson@cofe-worcester.org.uk

The Diocesan Youth Officer: Sarah Brush

The Youth Officer’s role is to offer specific advice on the setting up and best practise in relation to children’s activities and youth groups. She can be contacted on 01905 732825 or sarah.brush@cofe-worcester.org.uk