Safeguarding

"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:

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.

In February of 2024, both the Cathedral and Diocese were externally audited for our safeguarding work. This audit was part of the Church of England’s ongoing commitment to making the Church a safer place for all, ensuring that all cathedrals and dioceses have the best possible practice in place.

“The Audit found a strong and tangible focus on safeguarding with a clear leadership commitment to create and support a culture that enables everyone engaged with and by the church to flourish”.

- INEQE Safeguarding Audit Report, 2024

INEQE were the group appointed by the Archbishops Council to carry out the audit and they spent a full week with us in February. They interviewed people in different roles across the diocese and Cathedral, ran surveys, and examined documents and paperwork.

Bishop Rachel, Bishop Robert and Dean Andrew have welcomed this report:

“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part or contributed to this audit, from our Parish Safeguarding Officers, clergy, lay leaders, Cathedral Chapter and community, partner organisations and all those working in our central and Cathedral offices, especially our Safeguarding Team. There is a lot to be proud of and we are committed to building on the recommendations made as we continue to strive for the highest level of safeguarding in the Diocese of Gloucester, making our churches and our Cathedral the safest places they can possibly be.”

“The SCIE audit (2019) found that the Cathedral had a culture where people could learn, ask questions, and escalate concerns. This Independent Audit has found that the Cathedral has consolidated this position, and it mirrors the SCIE finding.”

- INEQE Safeguarding Audit Report, 2024

We are really pleased to share that the report highlights significant positives and encouragement. These included:

·         Recognition of the Cathedral’s strong and tangible focus on safeguarding, demonstrated through leadership and governance arrangements.

·         Recognition of the Diocesan safeguarding team, for being appreciated at all levels across the diocese and Cathedral for the support, advice and training they provide and our current support for victims or survivors.

“The Diocesan Safeguarding Team (DST) is universally recognised and appreciated at all levels across the DBF and parishes, as well as the Cathedral.”

- INEQE Safeguarding Audit Report, 2024

 The report also provides helpful areas of focus for which we could further develop our safeguarding culture and processes. These will now go to our Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel, led by our independent Chair, and the Cathedral Chapter to help shape our ongoing safeguarding work and plans. We will ensure to continue to keep you updated.

“The Dean works closely with the Bishop as they collectively endeavour to sustain a safeguarding culture that enables people across the Cathedral and beyond to flourish. Their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy is comprehensive, they champion Mental Health First Aid, and their Welcome Values convey a real sense that the Cathedral is committed to creating a positive safeguarding culture.”

- INEQE Safeguarding Audit Report, 2024

This Safeguarding Resource Handbook sets out our commitment to safeguarding generally, the safer recruitment of all our staff and volunteers, ongoing training and awareness raising, and how we follow-up concerns.