In Depth:  Emma Lawson

safeguarding briefing

Emma Lawson

A renegade Rabbi wows the crowds on the scrubby hills of Palestine. His manner and teaching captivate even the youngest among them.

‘Don’t bother the Rabbi’ say a throng of men towering over the little ones – their voices scalding. But Jesus says: ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven’ (Matt.19:14).

safeguarding briefing

Emma Lawson

Content warning: this post contains information about responding to reports of harm and abuse which some readers may find triggering. Please take care when reading.

You find out that a Christian leader who has influenced your faith is under investigation and has stepped back from ministry in the meantime. How does this make you feel? Confused? Shaken?

safeguarding briefing

Emma Lawson

Holiday clubs are a fantastic opportunity to put on fun activities for children and young people, especially young people who may feel lonely, isolated and bored.

But any holiday club, residential or camp, should be carefully thought through and the safety and wellbeing of children put at the forefront of all your activities. Doing this requires forward planning.

safeguarding briefing

Emma Lawson

Both the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) and the Church of England’s Second Past Cases Review (PCR2) report uncovered hundreds of cases of church-based abuse.

Behind each case is a victim and survivor of abuse who has bravely come forward to share their experience of betrayal, abuse of trust, and suffering. Their lives have been devastated and pierced with inexcusable pain. We need to lean in, listen, and learn.

safeguarding briefing

Emma Lawson

You’ve got a safeguarding policy in your church. Great! Now what?

Occupying the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead/Coordinator/Officer can feel like a lonely job – one that no one else signed up for, so you thought you’d step up into the role. Being on the after-service refreshments rota was a literal cup of tea compared to safeguarding. Whoever signed up for the welcome roster had the right idea. Even cleaning up after crèche seemed less messy than the emotional, sensitive and potentially traumatic ordeal of dealing with concerns about vulnerable people.