There are many situations whereby a member of the church may have concerns, or be made aware of concerns, regarding a child, young person and adult. For example:
- A child, young person or adult discloses abuse
- Someone discloses concern for a child, young person or adult
- Someone notices signs of potential abuse of a child, young person or adult
- A child, young person or adult makes a disclosure about their own behaviour towards another child, young person or adult
- Someone witnesses concerning behaviour during a church activity or during a home visit
The concern or allegation might relate to someone at church or to someone elsewhere (e.g. at home, work or school).
Initial response
If a child or adult is in immediate danger of significant or serious harm, please remove yourself from any danger, then immediately contact the emergency services by calling 999. The diocesan procedure for responding to a safeguarding concern or allegation can be downloaded by clicking here.
One of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team must be contacted within 24 hours of the concern or allegation, please see below for our direct contact numbers -
- Sarah Price, Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor – 07950 382934 (Monday - Friday)
- Debra Jennings, Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor – 07496 369883 (Monday - Wednesday)
- Casey Bridges, Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor - 07432 741953 (Monday - Friday)
Outside of office hours, calls to 024 7652 1345 will be diverted to our 24-hour safeguarding helpline. This is operated by an independent Christian charity called thirty-one:eight.
Model procedure for a PCC
A model pocedure for a PCC can be downloaded by clicking here. This model procedure can be adapted by the PCC to suit their local requirements.
Referral form
Recording Allegations of Abuse or Concern
Local Statutory Agencies
If you are advised to immediately contact your local social care team, you can find their contact details by clicking on the following links -