On Saturday 7^th November 2026, the SCSSA's National Safeguarding Conference will take place once again in Strathclyde University's Technology & Innovation Centre. This year's conference will follow on from the challenge issued by last year's keynote speaker, Matthew McVarish - What have I done to make my parish a safer place?

While the morning session will focus on providing delegates with ideas for practical ways in which they can take up this challenge, informed by survivors of abuse and research by our two speakers, Prof. Lisa Oakley and Prof. Clare Watkins, the afternoon session will be an interactive dramatisation of real examples of work being done in parish communities. We are delighted to announce that the arts company ACTive INquiry will lead this session.

If you are able to attend the conference and are also available to spend a preparation day in the SCSSA offices in Glasgow on Friday 30^th October (lunch and refreshments provided), you are invited to consider the following questions:

• What barriers have I encountered in trying to create a safer parish?
• What examples of good practice am I able to share?

If you are able to answer one or both of these questions and are willing to participate actively in a short, facilitated dramatisation at the conference, please email Helena Rameckers helena.rameckers@scssa.org.uk by 31^st August to find out more.