In the Church of England, the term "safeguarding" is used to mean creating and maintaining an environment in which the physical, emotional, and spiritual welfare of all people is prioritised.

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The vision of the Cursillo movement is the full participation of all God's people in the Christian life. For this reason, Ely Cursillo takes safeguarding extremely seriously. Our volunteers are required to undertake the Church of England's safeguarding training at a level appropriate to their role, and we work with the Diocese of Ely's safeguarding team to ensure that we hold ourselves to the same standards as churches and other organisations in the Church of England.

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Our Safeguarding Officer is our Spiritual Director, Rev'd Stephen Bowring. 

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What this means for us

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On Cursillo weekends

The Cursillo weekend can be an intensely emotional experience. We urge sponsors to be mindful of this when they approach potential pilgrims, and not to invite people who are experiencing issues which might make this difficult for them.

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We also ask the potential pilgrim's incumbent to approve their attendance, so that if there is some pastoral issue that might make it unsuitable for them to attend at this moment in their life, this can be discussed. 

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On the weekend, the spiritual director for the weekend will act as safeguarding contact, and will identify themselves as such during the introductions on the first night. Discussions in table groups are understood to be confidential; however, should an issue be raised that implies a safeguarding concern, the table leader will, in consultation with the person who raised it, seek advice from the spiritual director.

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In small groups

Discussions in small groups ("group reunions") are expected to remain confidential. However, should someone raise an issue that implies a safeguarding concern, the group members each have the same responsibility as any other member of the Church, to notify the appropriate safeguarding officer (who may be the parish safeguarding officer or the Ely Cursillo spiritual director, depending on circumstances), in consultation with the person who raised it.

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At any Ely Cursillo event

Anyone who experiences, witnesses, or learns about an incident at any Ely Cursillo event that might represent a safeguarding concern should notify the safeguarding officer (the Spiritual Director) as soon as possible. Should they be uncomfortable raising it with the Spiritual Director, they should approach the Lay Director.

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