Promoting a Safer Church

The care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of the Church

Our Commitments

  • Promoting a safe and healthy environment and culture in every way possible at all times
  • Safely recruiting and supporting those with responsibility related to children, young people and adults at risk, whether paid or voluntary
  • Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
  • Caring pastorally for those subjected to abuse, or others affected by it
  • Caring pastorally for those against whom concerns or allegations are raised, or others affected by such
  • Responding to those that may pose a present risk
  • Appointing Safeguarding Officers, and ensuring all workers complete self-declaration forms, DBS clearance and training at least every 3 years.
  • Following the guidelines and procedures published by the Church of England in 2017, reference copies of which are kept in the church office.

To Find Out More

Diocesan Safeguarding Webpage

Church of England Safeguarding Webpage

Church of England’s ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ Policy – PDF

The Parish Safeguarding Handbook – PDF

Safeguarding Training Online

If you are concerned

that someone you know is

  • at risk of being abused, or
  • is being abused, or
  • presents a risk to others

please seek advice from one of the people below.

(If necessary report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Services or the Police without delay.)

Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your local Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) in the first instance, who can seek further advice from Cath Smith, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA), as necessary.

Safeguarding concerns in a school/university/prison/healthcare setting should be raised with the relevant organisation’s Safeguarding team. If the concern involves one of our chaplains, please also contact Cath Smith directly.

Local People to Contact for Help or Advice:

  • Miss Tracey Lawther ((St Oswald’s):
    07990 610687
  • Mrs Jenny Chapman (St John’s):
    07525 749267

Diocese of Blackburn Safeguarding Advisers:

Further Regional Support:

  • Local Authority Social Services (Children’s Care Connect):
    0300 123 6720 (Office hours)
  • Local Authority Social Services (Children’s Care Connect):
    0300 123 6722 (Out of hours)
  • Local Authority Social Services (Adults Social Care):
    0300 123 6721 (Office hours)
  • Local Authority Social Services (Adults Emergency Care):
    0845 053 0028 (Out of hours)
    Adult Safeguarding Public Reporting Form Online

IF THERE IS IMMEDIATE RISK OR DANGER PLEASE CONTACT THE POLICE ON 999

Specialist National Helplines:

  • NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
  • Childline: 0800 1111
  • National Domestic ViolenceHelpline: 0808 2000 247
  • Samaritans: 116 123
  • Stop It Now: 0808 1000 900
  • Family Lives: 0808 800 2222
  • Action On Elder Abuse: 080 8808 814
  • MACSAS (Minister and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors): 0808 801 0340
  • NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood): 0808 801 0331