The Bishop of Tewkesbury is to take over from Rt Rev Joanne Grenfell as the Church of England’s lead bishop for safeguarding

Bishop Joanne’s three-year tenure in the role ends in March 2026.

Rt Rev Robert Springett currently serves as one of the deputy leads for safeguarding, and chairs the Theology and Safeguarding Group.

He is also chair of the Task and Finish Group, which scrutinises the Church’s response to the Makin Review.

The Archbishop of York said in a statement: “I am 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 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.”

Bishop Robert said he has a “profound sense of calling” to his new role, and has “learned a great deal from victims and survivors”.

He insisted that the Church should not regard safeguarding as a “burden”, but embrace it “with joy for the opportunity it offers to serve others.”