Safeguarding:

This is a reminder of the safeguarding training coming up in May through to July. These dates are listed on the website, but as a reminder they are as follows:

• Holy Trinity Tauranga - 10th and 11th May 2025

• St Lukes, Gisborne - 17th and 18th May 2025

• All Saint’s, Taradale - 7th and 8th June 2025

• St Barnabas, Rotorua - West 14th and 15th June 2025

• St George & St John - Whakatane 21st and 22nd June 2025

• St Mary’s, Waipukurau - 12th and 13th July 2025

If you are still needing to attend the training, please book in for one of these sessions.

As a reminder, the policy around Safeguarding is available on the website and those who need to attend are set out in the Training Framework (waiapuanglicans.org.nz/resources).

I know there are some who feel that the need for readers or tea makers to attend the training is too much, however, we need to consider how these people are viewed within a church structure and while they themselves may not believe that they have any particular role within the church, as soon as one stands up to read the scriptures, it could be assumed that they have a significant role within the church.

As much as the training is about ensuring those we serve are kept safe, we ourselves need to ensure that we are kept safe as well.

I would encourage you, if you have not already undertaken the training, to consider doing so during those sessions listed above. In particular, Level Two needs to be undertaken by any person covered by Canon 1, Title D of Standards of Ministry for Bishops, Ministers and Office Bearers. This includes Licensed Laity as well as Wardens and Vestry members.

It is very important that we look to doing this training as a statement to the wider community that the church is taking these matters seriously.

If you are unsure whether you have attending the training or not, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will ensure that I get that information to you.

Nga mihi nui

Penny Hales

Safeguarding & Risk Manager