Safeguarding

Overview of safeguarding in the Diocese of York, with signposts to national Church of England policy

Safeguarding is at the heart of all that we do

The Diocese of York is committed to safeguarding children and young people, vulnerable adults and those in abusive relationships. We aim to create safe environments, where children and young people are nurtured and protected and where all people, especially those who may be vulnerable for any reason, are able to worship and pursue their faith journey with encouragement and in safety.

We follow the national legal and procedural framework for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and Church of England policy and practice guidance.

We act promptly on 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.

Safeguarding Week 2024

Reporting a safeguarding concern

If someone is in immediate danger

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

You can also find additional emergency contact information for the local authority Children’s and Adult Social Care team on our Local Authority & Statutory Contact page

You can seek further advice or make a disclosure by calling 01904 699509/01904 699524 or by contacting a member of the Safeguarding Team, who will respond as soon as possible.

You can also email your concerns to, safeguarding@yorkdiocese.org and a member of the Safeguarding Team will respond to you within 24 hours.

If there is no risk of immediate harm

If you do not think there is a risk of immediate harm, you must speak to a parish or diocesan safeguarding officer about your concern as soon as possible.

Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should usually be brought to the attention of your local Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) or parish priest in the first instance.

When first reporting, or seeking advice from, the diocese about a safeguarding concern, please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer on 01904 699509/01904 699524 or by email at safeguarding@yorkdiocese.org 

In this section

Meet the Team

For support and advice, you can find details here of the Safeguarding Team at the Diocese.

Safeguarding Learning & Training

Introduction to the Learning and Training modules; who needs to do what; how to access the online modules; and dates, times and venues

Safer Recruitment & DBS

Recruiting for unpaid or paid roles with responsibility for children or vulnerable adults; applying for disclosure of convictions with the Disclosure and Barring Service