In this new article, we hear some key updates in three areas of the SNU’s central operations – Technical, Church Relations and Safeguarding.
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Church Relations – Expanding the team…
As some of you will have seen recently advertised, the SNU are currently accepting applications for a Church Relations Coordinator, as part of an expansion of the Church Relations team.
The Union’s current Church Relations Coordinator, Matthew Mold, will become Union’s new Church Development Manager, managing and working alongside the new recruit to maximise the support and help we can give to our churches, centres and districts.
You can read more about the Church Relations Coordinator, and how to apply, by clicking on the link below:
Vacancy – Church Relations Coordinator
Technical – Building the systems and infrastructure for the Union and AFC’s future…
In June, the Union welcomed Philip Robinson as its new Technical Lead.
Phil has hit the ground running and has been working hard to identify where the SNU, Head Office and AFC’s digital practices, systems and technical capabilities need modernising, updating or repurposing.
So far, Phil has:
- Registered the SNU for Microsoft Office365 as a non-profit, allowing us 300 free Microsoft Licences and reducing our monthly costs.
- Acquired an annual grant of $2,000 from Microsoft for use on Microsoft Azure services (Microsoft’s cloud computing platform).
- Carried out a fully Wi-Fi survey of the Arthur Findlay College and Stansted Hall estate, identifying blackspots and where areas need repurposing or strengthening.
- Currently designing a network refresh to improve student and tutors’ experiences whilst at the college.
- Began looking at SNU Head Office’s email and data sharing practices to make the more secure, future-proofed and closer to best industry practices.
Safeguarding – looking at safeguarding through the Seven Principles…
In addition to her day-to-day duties and responsibilities as the Union’s Safeguarding Manager, Gemma Faraway has been appraising how the Seven Principles of SNU Spiritualism can underpin or illustrate some of the more common safeguarding concerns, complaints and issues she is finding within her role.
To this end, Gemma has written the following advisory, with a particular view to the Fifth Principle:
Safeguarding & Principle 5 – Personal Responsibility…
Safeguarding is often thought of as responding when something goes wrong.
In reality, good safeguarding begins much earlier. It starts with each of us taking personal responsibility for the way we conduct ourselves and the impact our actions may have on others.
Within the Spiritualists’ National Union, many of us hold positions of trust. Whether we are a Medium, Minister, Tutor, Healer, Committee Member or Volunteer, people often look to us for guidance, reassurance and support. That trust is a privilege, but it also brings responsibility.
One area that is sometimes overlooked is power imbalance.
A person seeking a message, attending a demonstration or joining a development group may be grieving, vulnerable or searching for answers. Even when relationships feel friendly and equal, the role we hold can influence how our words and actions are received.
Maintaining appropriate boundaries is therefore not about being distant or unapproachable. It is about recognising that our actions can carry greater significance because of the position we hold.
Professional boundaries help to protect everyone. They create clarity, reduce misunderstandings and build confidence in the integrity of our work. They also protect those undertaking SNU roles by providing clear expectations about appropriate conduct.
Before we act, it is worth asking ourselves:
- Would I be comfortable if this conversation took place in front of my colleagues?
- Could this interaction be misunderstood by someone else?
- Am I acting in the best interests of the other person, or am I allowing my own needs to influence my judgement?
- Am I recognising the trust that has been placed in me?
Safeguarding is not simply about policies and procedures. It is about the choices we make every day and the culture we create together.
By taking personal responsibility for our behaviour, respecting professional boundaries and recognising the influence we may have on others, we help ensure that the SNU remains a place where everyone feels safe, respected and able to develop with confidence.
– Gemma Faraway
Safeguarding Manager
If you would like advice or support from any of these areas of the SNU’s operations, you can contact:
📧 Church Relations: Matthew Mold, Church Relations Coordinator – matthew.mold@snu.org.uk
📧 Technical Support: Philip Robinson, Technical Lead – phil.robinson@snu.org.uk
📧 Safeguarding: Gemma Faraway, Safeguarding Manager – safeguarding@snu.org.uk
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this post, please feel free to get in touch.