• People
• About the Diocese
• Where We Are
• What We Do
• Eco Diocese
• Safeguarding
  • Safeguarding News
  • Who to Contact
  • Diocesan Safeguarding Policy and Guidance
  • Forms
  • Safeguarding Officer Guidance
  • Training
  • Workshops for Safeguarding Officers
• Cathedrals
• Vacancies
• Friends of the Diocese
• Bishop's Appeals

Safeguarding

The Diocese in Europe promotes “Safe Churches” as part of its commitment to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults who may be at risk.

A revised Safeguarding Policy and Guidance was released in October 2019, aligned with the National Safeguarding Team’s Parish Safeguarding Handbook, and adapted and expanded to suit the requirements of our international diocese.

All clergy and readers have safeguarding training and need record check clearance certificates as a normal part of their ministry. Hundreds of lay volunteers, working with young people and vulnerable adults in local churches across Europe will also need to go through the process. This is to ensure that our congregations are safe places for young and vulnerable people to visit. An online basic training course is available - see below.

The Diocese in Europe has also been taking an active role in the Past Cases Review 2 (PCR2) process which began in 2019. The Diocese is aiming to release the findings before the end of this year. 

Safe Spaces

If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You do not have to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church.

Safe Spaces is a free support service for victims and survivors of church-related abuse. The organisation offers a confidential, personal, and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England, The Church in Wales or The Catholic Church in England and Wales, regardless of disability, age, gender or sexual orientation.

Their services are available on 0300 303 1056 or via their website. 

Opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 9pm, Saturday 9-1pm and Sunday from 1-5pm (GMT) (excluding bank holidays, subject to review) GMT.

Safe Partnerships Guidance

Click here for more information

Who to Contact

Click here for members of the Safeguarding Team and their contact details.

 

Diocesan safeguarding policy and guidance

This policy and practice guidance is based on the National Safeguarding Team’s Parish Handbook.

Safeguarding training

Click here for information about our online and virtual safeguarding training courses

 

Safeguarding Officer Guidance

Learn more about safeguarding checks, vetting checks, occasional helpers and more.

 

Forms

Click here for a summary of our safeguarding policy and detailed guidance.

 

Workshops for Safeguarding Officers

Click here for information about this year's development workshops and clinics for Chaplaincy Safeguarding Officers

Safeguarding Sunday

Information, links and resources for Safeguarding Sunday, 19th November 2023