The Bishop of Tewkesbury, Robert Springett, has been appointed because the Church of England’s latest Lead Safeguarding Bishop.
He will assume the role when current Lead Bishop Joanne Grenfell’s three-year term ends in March 2026.
Bishop Springett will work alongside the National Director of Safeguarding, Alexander Kubeyinje, and the National Safeguarding Team to proceed strengthening the Church’s safeguarding practices.
Bishop Springett involves the role having served as a Deputy Lead for Safeguarding and chair of the Theology and Safeguarding Group.
He played a key part in overseeing the Church’s response to the Makin and Scolding reviews, which highlighted safeguarding failures and made recommendations for improvements.
As Lead Safeguarding Bishop, he may also chair the National Safeguarding Steering Group, which makes national safeguarding decisions for the Church.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, expressed gratitude for Bishop Springett’s commitment to improving safeguarding practices.
“I’m grateful to Bishop Robert, who in his work as Deputy Safeguarding Bishop, has worked closely with victims and survivors on our responses to key recommendations,” he said.
“He is clearly committed to in search of change to our safeguarding culture and practice, and I’m delighted that he’ll bring his long experience in ministry to assist lead and promote good safeguarding across the Church.”
Bishop Springett said he viewed safeguarding as a possibility to construct healthier Church communities.
“Safeguarding mustn’t be seen as a burden, but embraced with joy for the chance it offers to serve others,” he said.
“I even have found the role of Deputy Safeguarding Bishop deeply rewarding, and I accept this invitation with a profound sense of calling to contribute to the event of healthy cultures across all areas of Church life.
“Through my involvement within the Scolding and Makin reviews, I even have learned an excellent deal from victims and survivors – wisdom that can proceed to shape and inform all that I seek to do on this latest role.”
Bishop Joanne Grenfell, who’s to tackle the role of Deputy Safeguarding Bishop, may also speak on safeguarding within the House of Lords once she becomes a member in January.
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