Safeguarding


The Church of England, its archbishops, bishops, clergy and leaders are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church. Safeguarding means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture.

This means we will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, work to prevent abuse from occurring, seek to protect those that are at risk of being abused and respond well to those that have been abused. We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others, and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks. The Church of England affirms the ‘Whole Church’ approach to safeguarding.

This approach encompasses a commitment to consistent policy and practice across all Church bodies, Church Officers and that everyone associated with the Church, who comes into contact with children, young people and adults, has a role to play. The Church will take appropriate steps to maintain a safer environment for all and to practice fully and positively Christ's Ministry towards children, young people and adults; to respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help keep them safe from harm.

Promoting a Safer Church, 2017

The Safeguarding Team continue to work as usual, but remotely. All team members have access to emails and are available on their mobile telephone numbers.

Contact the Safeguarding team

Reporting new safeguarding referrals and concerns

Safeguarding Duty Messaging Service: 01353 652747 

  • Please leave a message with your number and a brief explanation of the reason for your call. The team member on duty will be alerted to your message and will call you back.
  • (Please do not use the Safeguarding Duty Messaging Service number for queries about DBS checks, training or recruitment issues)
  • A Safeguarding Advisor will call you back to discuss your referral. We will give professional advice and support and together with you agree a plan to manage the next steps.

Please note that messages left on the Duty Messaging Service outside normal office hours will be reviewed periodically but may not be responded to immediately. 

In a safeguarding emergency please contact the Police or Social Care.

  • In addition, Safe Spaces is an independent service supporting survivors of church-related abuse.
  • This independent service is run by the charity Victim Support and funded by the Church of England together with the Catholic Church in England and Wales and the Church in Wales.
  • It is free to access via telephone - 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times), email - safespaces@victimsupport.org or web-chat via www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/

Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Rebecca Boswell

Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Sharon Gage (part-time) 

Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Lisa Pearson (part-time)

Training, Criminal Record Checks (DBS) and Parish Safeguarding Officer Support

Diocesan Safeguarding Officer- Sarah King

Safeguarding Administrative Support - DBS checks: Jackie Williamson (part-time)

Safeguarding Administrative Support - Training: Kelly Nott (part-time)


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Page last updated: 2nd November 2021 9:45 AM
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