THE next lead bishop for safeguarding in the Church of England is to be the Bishop of Tewkesbury, in the diocese of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Robert Springett.
Bishop Springett, who currently deputises this position, is to succeed the Bishop of Stepney, Dr Joanne Grenfell, whose three-year term ends in March 2026. Dr Grenfell, who is to begin her ministry as Bishop of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich in January, is, in turn, to become the deputy safeguarding bishop. She intends to speak on safeguarding matters when she joins the Lords Spiritual.
An announcement on the C of E website on Tuesday said that Bishop Springett would work closely with the National Director of Safeguarding, Alexander Kubeyinje, and other members of the National Safeguarding Team to “strengthen its safeguarding practices by committing to independent scrutiny and improving delivery. This includes implementing recommendations from the Makin review, the Charity Commission, and insights gained from independent safeguarding audits.”
Bishop Springett currently chairs the Task and Finish Group which recently published its interim report in response to the Makin review recommendations (News, 7 November). He was also chair of the Task and Finish Group set up after the Scolding report (News, 24 October 2024).
In his new position, he will chair the National Safeguarding Steering Group, which is responsible for making national safeguarding decisions.
Bishop Springett was ordained priest in 1990, and served his title in Chelmsford diocese, where he remained in parish ministry until 2010, as incumbent, area dean, and an Honorary Canon of Chelmsford Cathedral. He was then appointed Archdeacon of Cheltenham, in Gloucester diocese, before his consecration as Bishop of Tewkesbury in 2016.
He said on Tuesday that safeguarding should be seen as an opportunity to serve others, rather than a burden. “I 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 development of healthy cultures across all areas of Church life,” he said.
“Through my involvement in the Scolding and Makin reviews, I have learned a great deal from victims and survivors — wisdom that will continue to shape and inform all that I seek to do in this new role.”
The Archbishop of York said of the Bishop: “He is clearly committed to seeking change to our safeguarding culture and practice and I am delighted that he will bring his long experience in ministry to help lead and promote good safeguarding across the Church.”