Southwark Cathedral takes the safeguarding and care of children and vulnerable adults very seriously.
Cathedral Safegurding Policy and Procedures
We have adopted a Safeguarding Policy and Procedures based on national requirements and guidance. These provide a framework for identifying and supporting vulnerable groups, information on what constitutes abuse and the processes to be followed. the policies and guidelines are set out in the Diocesan publication, A Safe Church, a copy of which can be accessed here.
Chapter’s policies can be read below.
The Chapter follows the national legal and procedural framework for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and Church of England policy and practice. We respond promptly to any complaints made, and work in close partnership with police and social care services where children or vulnerable adults have been harmed or are at risk of harm or mistreatment. We provide safe recruitment, training and support to our voluntary and paid workers with children and vulnerable adults.
We care for those who have been abused in the past, and minister appropriately to those who have abused.
Cathedral and Diocesan Safeguarding Contacts
Our Cathedral Safeguarding Team work hard to safeguard children and young people, vulnerable adults and those in abusive relationships.
If you want to talk to someone regarding safeguarding at the Cathedral, would like advice or wish to report a safeguarding concern, please use the contacts below.
- Canon Kathryn Fleming, Precentor | Cathedral Safeguarding Lead
Email | kathryn.fleming@southwark.anglican.org
Tel | 020 7367 6731
- Neil Morter | Cathedral Safeguarding Officer
Email | neil.morter@southwark.anglican.org
The Cathedral Safeguarding Lead and Safeguarding Officer are supported by three Cathedral Safeguarding Reps:
- Cherry James
Cherry can be contacted through the Cathedral Office on 020 7367 6700 or by email
- Jill Tilley
Jill can be contacted through the Cathedral Office on 020 7367 6700 or by email
- Helen Quintrell
Helen can be contacted through the Cathedral Office on 020 7367 6700 or by email
The Southwark Diocesean Safeguarding Team can be contacted as follows:
- David Browne | Diocesan Safeguarding Officer
- Rebecca O'Neill | Deputy Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor
Email | safeguarding@southwark.anglican.org
Tel | 0207 939 9441 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm)
Support Services
In addition to the support offered by our Cathedral and Diocesan Safeguarding teams, there are a number of support services available, including:
Safe Spaces
The Church of England, working with the Roman Catholica Church in England, Wales and the Church in Wales, has launched a free and independent national helpline run by Victim Support for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with the Church. Find out more baout their service on their website: https://www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/
Hub of Hope
The UK's leading support database, bringing local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS services together in one place for the first time. A wide range of local support can be accessed by inputting your postcode into their website: https://hubofhope.co.uk/
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
116 123 (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 ( free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)