RLSS AGM and Conference 2025
The 2025 Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS) AGM and Conference, held on 13–14 March, marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of safeguarding within Religious life.
Hosted in person at Highgate House in Northampton, the two-day event brought together safeguarding professionals, members of Religious Life Groups (RLGs), and wider Church representatives to reflect, learn, and collaborate on best practices for protecting vulnerable individuals in faith-based settings.
The AGM on Thursday 13 March provided a formal space for us to review the RLSS’s progress over the past year. Key highlights included the successful transition of leadership from outgoing CEO Dani Wardman to Melissa Andrews, formerly Head of Membership.
Dani’s departure was met with heartfelt appreciation for her foundational role in establishing the RLSS and her unwavering commitment to improving safeguarding outcomes.
Melissa’s appointment was warmly welcomed, with attendees expressing confidence in her vision and energy to lead the RLSS into its next chapter.
The conference on Friday 14 March focused on deepening understanding and strengthening safeguarding culture across Religious communities.
Through a series of workshops, keynote addresses, and panel discussions, participants explored topics such as Safeguarding Best Practice, Safeguarding Audits, Information Sharing, Social Media, Dementia and Working with those Accused of Causing Harm.
The sessions were designed to be both practical and reflective, encouraging attendees to consider not only policies and procedures but also the values and attitudes that underpin effective safeguarding.
Links to copies of these presentations can be found on our Resources page.
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the importance of survivor voice and lived experience. The RLSS reaffirmed its commitment to placing those affected by abuse at the heart of its work, ensuring that support is shaped by their needs and perspectives.
In the wake of the final report from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), the RLSS used the conference to reaffirm its commitment to continuous improvement.
We acknowledge the courage of those who contributed to the inquiry and the 2025 conference enabled us to emphasise that safeguarding is an ongoing responsibility, and one that requires vigilance, humility, and collaboration.
On reflection, the 2025 AGM and Conference served not only as a forum for accountability and learning but also as a space of solidarity and shared purpose.
As we continue to grow and adapt, the event underscored a most significant message: safeguarding is not a task to be completed, but a culture to be nurtured – together.
Celebrating St Patrick’s Day at the AGM Evening Dinner
Reporting Abuse or Safeguarding Concerns
If you have experienced abuse or have any safeguarding concerns, we encourage you to reach out through our Make Contact With Us link below. All reports are taken seriously and handled with sensitivity, confidentiality, and care.