Safeguarding matters

The Diocese of Liverpool takes its duty and obligation to protect all extremely seriously. We have adopted the national Church of England's robust procedures and guidelines. This section gives you the information you need to make sure that you protect those who are vulnerable.
 

The Diocese of Liverpool aims to:

• Promote the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk of harm
• Prevent abuse occurring
• Protect those at risk of abuse
• Respond well to those who have been abused

Information on these pages may have been updated due to coronavirus. Check here for the latest details.

See all our coronavirus advice here
 

Reporting Abuse

If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention, call 999.

If you do not think there is a risk of immediate harm, you should still report it. If you are concerned that a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm you should approach your local children or adult social care department.

You should inform our Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser about any case where a child or vulnerable adult appears to be at risk or where an adult appears to present a risk. You should inform them of any safeguarding concerns involving a Church Officer.  A ‘Church Officer’ is anyone appointed/elected by or on behalf of the Church to a post or role, whether they are ordained or lay, paid or unpaid.

The diocesan safeguarding team is committed to responding to safeguarding concerns, providing advice, and supporting survivors.  We are not able to offer an emergency or 24-hour response. 

If you wish to report any safeguarding concerns directly to the NST please email safeguarding@churchofengland.org.

Our Support for Survivors and Victims

Reporting abuse may be very difficult and distressing. Liverpool Diocese aims to deal with any contact made by a survivor/victim of abuse in a church-related context with empathy and integrity. 

Click here for information about how you can get support and advice

Safe Spaces

Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England, Church in Wales or the Catholic Church of England and Wales. 

Find out how to access support here.
 

Other support

You may wish to contact one of these 24-hour helplines to report abuse

• NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
   
• Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
   
• National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
   
• Samaritans Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
   
• Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (freephone Monday to Friday 9-5 pm).

The Parish Safeguarding Handbook

The Church of England has published the Parish Safeguarding Handbook which brings into one place the key safeguarding responsibilities for parishes. It is designed to support the day to day safeguarding work of parishes and signposts to more detailed guidance.

The handbook is aimed at all who have a key role to play with children, young people1 and adults in a parish

Download and read the Parish Safeguarding Handbook
 

Contacting the safeguarding team

Catriona Richardson, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
07887 510946  
catriona.richardson@liverpool.anglican.org

Andy Holmes,  Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
07940 378139
andy.holmes@liverpool.anglican.org
 

Parish Advice

Policies, checklists and advice for parishes

If you are a Parish Safeguarding Officer or have responsibility for safeguarding matters in your parish then click here

Parish Safeguarding Checklist