Report a concern
If someone is in immediate danger or harm, call 999 and ask for the police.
The Diocese of Chester takes its safeguarding responsibilities very seriously. Any individual who wishes to come forward with information or to make a disclosure is encouraged to make direct contact with the diocesan Safeguarding Team.
For all reporting and enquires please email safeguarding@chester.anglican.org. Please note, this email address is monitored between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
For general safeguarding enquiries, call 01928 718834 ext 259 between the hours of 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
For enquiries relating to safeguarding training, call 01928 718834 ext 259 between the hours of 9am and 4pm, Monday to Wednesday.
Out-of-hours support
Thirtyone:eight
For out-of-hours safeguarding advice, ring our partner organisation, Thirtyone:eight on 0303 003 1111. Thrityone:eight is an independent Christian charity that offers a telephone listening service for adult survivors of abuse to talk about their experiences in detail and in confidence with a sensitive listener.
Download this leaflet for more information about the Thirtyone:eight listening service.
Safe Spaces
However, we recognise that for those with a lived experience of abuse from within the Church, you may want to speak to a different independent charity specialising in supporting victims and survivors of abuse. Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service that provides a confidential, personal, and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church.
Local social services
If you are seeking urgent advice during out-of-hours, you should contact your local social services team or local police on 101 and alert the diocesan Safeguarding Team as soon as possible.
Displaying of Safeguarding contacts in Churches
Parishes are required to prominently display a list of safeguarding contact details, to allow for any individual who wishes to come forward with information, make a disclosure or seek the support and guidance of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. The details have been included in the 'Promoting a Safer Church' poster.
Our policies and procedures
The Diocese of Chester follows the House of Bishops' Policy and Practice Guidance. These are published by the Church of England and can be found here.
