One Year of Guarding the Flock

This week, Guarding the Flock turns one.

A year ago, after blowing the whistle on serious safeguarding and culture concerns, I genuinely thought my career was over.

The truth is, there were days I thought my life was over. The toll it took on me was painful. I couldn't imagine ever working in safeguarding again.

But somehow, out of that, Guarding the Flock was born.

It didn't begin with a business plan. It began with a laptop, long days at my kitchen table, and countless hours reading and writing in quiet little cafés in London and South Tyneside.

I wanted to take everything I'd learnt from working inside the Church of England's safeguarding system, the good, the bad and the ugly, and use it to support clergy, churches and religious communities with safeguarding, governance and training. I also wanted to write honestly about the safeguarding, leadership and culture issues many people were thinking about, but few felt able to say out loud.

One year later, I'm incredibly proud of what Guarding the Flock has become.

I've had the privilege of supporting churches and faith organisations across the UK, delivering training, advising on safeguarding and governance, reviewing policies, speaking at events and helping people navigate some incredibly difficult situations.

Along the way, the writing has taken on a life of its own. Blogs first written at my kitchen table and in those quiet cafés have been read by thousands, quoted in academic research, referenced in the media and, most importantly, started conversations that matter.

None of this would have happened without you.

To everyone who has trusted me with their work, read or shared a blog, quoted my writing, bought me a coffee, invited me to speak, recommended Guarding the Flock, or simply sent me a message saying, "Keep going," thank you.

And to those who quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) walked alongside me through the hardest days of the past year, thank you. You believed in me at a time when I wasn't always able to believe in myself.

People sometimes ask whether I regret blowing the whistle.

I don't.

It came at a painful cost, but it also led me here. Looking back, I realise that doing the right thing may change your career, but it doesn't have to end it.

Thank you for making this first year of Guarding the Flock more than I ever imagined.

Here's to year two.

With love and gratitude,

~ Michelle Burns

Thank you for being part of Guarding the Flock's first year. Every share, recommendation and kind word has helped this work reach more people. If my blog has resonated with you, please do share it. And if you'd like to help keep the writing going, you're very welcome to buy me a cuppa. No pressure at all – I'm simply grateful you're here. Michelle ☕