Safeguarding

Safeguarding is a key priority in the life of the Church

"Safeguarding is a theological imperative, rooted in the nature and love of God for all. Therefore it needs to be outworked from a fundamental premise of giving equal worth to all people.

Connecting the Church’s mission and theological foundations with the concept of healthy cultures is a vital responsibility, so that safeguarding is embedded within the core beliefs, vision, values and ethos of the Cathedral, and not just viewed as an intellectual or external concept. In particular, this means doing all that we can to ensure that the Cathedral’s community offers the safest place possible for children and vulnerable people.

I believe that this is best achieved through building confidence among the community and a healthy culture of safeguarding practice. We must ensure that everyone has opportunities to be aware of safeguarding and make sure that everyone knows how to raise concerns and seek advice and support.

I would wish to see a strong commitment to following robust safeguarding processes, supporting Safer Recruitment in all aspects of Cathedral life, and maintaining support for victims and survivors as a priority."

The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, Dean of Gloucester

Within Gloucester Cathedral our Chapter reaffirms our safeguarding commitment regularly.

The Cathedral has in place a Service Level Agreement with the Diocese for HR and Safeguarding. If you would like to speak with someone about a safeguarding issue please contact:

Judith Knight, Head of HR & Safeguarding:
Tel: 01452 835526
Email: jknight@glosdioc.org.uk
Judith leads on all Safer Recruitment issues.

Brett Riches, Diocesan and Cathedral Safeguarding Advisor Leading on Casework:
Tel: 01452 835516 (Office hours) / 07944 680320 (Out of hours)*
Email: safeguarding@glosdioc.org.uk
Brett works Monday to Thursday. 

*Out of hours cover on weekends is provided by thirtyone:eight – 0303 003 1111

Melanie Biscoe, Assistant Diocesan and Cathedral Safeguarding Advisor:
Tel: 01452 835516/ 07944 680320 (Out of hours)*
Email: safeguarding@glosdioc.org.uk
Melanie is our Assistant DSA and works full time. 

*Out of hours cover on weekends is provided by thirtyone:eight – 0303 003 1111

Becca Faal, Diocesan and Cathedral Safeguarding Advisor Leading on Training:
Tel: 07401 197280
Email: beccafaal@glosdioc.org.uk

Nominated Safeguarding Person for the congregation, Gill Brook:
Gill can be spoken to in person in the Cathedral on Sundays, or contacted via the Cathedral office on 01452 528095. Gill can also be contacted via email on: Safeguarding@gloucestercathedral.org.uk

Resources and information relating to Safeguarding can be found by clicking on the button below.

Safeguarding Resources and Information

Gloucester Cathedral Independent Safeguarding Audit 2019

Early in 2019, Gloucester Cathedral underwent a safeguarding audit by SCIE (Social Care Institute for Excellence) and the report is available to view by clicking on the button below. Every cathedral in England will be audited in the next 18 months.

SCIE Safeguarding Audit Report 2019

The Cathedral’s post-safeguarding audit Action Plan can be found here.

SCIE Safeguarding Audit Action Plan, November 2021