Sharon Barr, Head of Safeguarding for the United Reformed Church, shares about a day in the life of her working week:
No two days as Head of Safeguarding ever look quite the same, but a day earlier this month (14 April) captured the full breadth of the role — from people management to national policy and long‑term strategic development.
The morning began, as many do, by working through a busy inbox. I then moved on to a scheduled appraisal with one of the four members of the safeguarding team within the Offices of the General Assembly that I line‑manage. Supporting colleagues, recognising their achievements, and helping shape their development is one of the rewarding parts of my job. We have such a strong team, who have been instrumental in the cultural shift towards safeguarding in recent years.
By late morning, I was on a train into London to attend the All‑Party Parliamentary Group on Safeguarding in Faith Organisations. These sessions are always energising — a chance to connect with colleagues from across denominations and charities, as well as Members of Parliament who share a commitment to safer practice. We heard important updates on the progress of Mandated Reporting through Parliament, alongside news of a new inquiry into the definition of Regulated Activity — a topic with significant implications for faith settings, given the many nuanced roles within our churches.
During the journey, I was also able to work on papers for General Assembly, including reports for other committees as well as those from the Safeguarding Committee.
The journey home offered time to finalise the agenda for our wider safeguarding team’s annual residential. This year’s programme is shaping up to be particularly strong, with speakers including Dr Lisa Oakley on her work with survivors of abuse, Tim Carter, Director of Safeguarding for the Methodist Church, exploring the Dunning–Kruger Effect, and Space to Breathe, who will lead a session on psychological safety.
It was a long and full day — but one that reflects the purpose, partnership and continual learning at the heart of safeguarding. It is also why I feel honoured to be in this role, bringing together my Christian faith and my commitment to helping the Church be a safe place for all.
To learn more about the URC Safeguarding Team, see Safeguarding – United Reformed Church.