Safeguarding

The Church of England commissioned SCIE (the Social Care Institute for Excellence) to undertake an audit of the safeguarding provision of all of the Dioceses and Cathedrals in England. As part of this process, Southwell Cathedral was visited by SCIE to audit its safeguarding provision during September 2021.

The Chapter of Southwell Cathedral welcomed the SCIE report and noted the auditors’ comment that: “Arrangements for keeping safe the Minster and associated buildings and those working in and visiting them are generally good. Staff, volunteers and congregants are confident that they are kept safe”. Chapter has accepted the findings in full and continue to be committed to the development of safeguarding. The next independent audit is scheduled for 2026.

The SCIE report and Cathedral action plan can be found by clicking here.

Promoting a Safer Cathedral

Southwell Minster is committed to ensuring that children, young people and adults at risk who come to visit us may worship, learn, and grow in Christ safely.

As part of their commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults – especially vulnerable adults – the Dean and Chapter has in place a safeguarding policy and arrangements which include:

• Procedures to respond to and report concerns
• A Safeguarding Policy
• Safer recruitment procedures

“The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in Cathedral activities is the responsibility of the whole Cathedral. Everyone who participates in the life of the Cathedral has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.”

We have also adopted the Principles of the House of Bishops on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk who enter Southwell Minster which is based on the following six overarching policy commitments:

• Promoting a safer environment and culture
• Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the Church
• Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
• Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons
• Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons
• Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others

Survivor Support and Engagement

View Southwell Minster's Safeguarding Policy Statement

Local Authority Designated Officer 

 

What you should do if you have a concern.

You can download this document as a pdf from the toolbar

 

Further Safeguarding Resources

The Cathedral’s Safeguarding Lead is Canon Nigel Spraggins, Cathedral Chief Officer, the Cathedral Safeguarding Officer Penny Turner, and Canon Paul Rattigan as Chapter Lead.

If you have a Safeguarding Concern

In the Minster
Any suspicion or disclosure of abuse should in the first instance be reported to the Cathedral Safeguarding Team, either Penny Turner or Vicky Thorpe, email:

Penny Turner: safeguarding@southwell.anglican.org
Vicky Thorpe: safeguarding@southwellminster.org.uk

If not available, contact either the Canon in Residence or the Chief Officer nigel.spraggins@southwellminster.org.uk

In the Diocese
All safeguarding concerns should be directed to the Diocesan Safeguarding team on 01636 817200 during working hours. For non-urgent advice and queries including DBS advice, please email the safeguarding team at safeguarding@southwell.anglican.org

 

In an emergency, please contact the police by calling 999.