Welcome
The Diocese of Manchester 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, and 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.
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.
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.
If there is no risk of immediate harm
If you do not think there is a risk of immediate harm, you must speak to an official about your concern as soon as possible. When first reporting a concern, please be sure to make contact using the information shown below.
Outside office hours
For urgent safeguarding enquiries outside of office hours (see below), please call our partners Thirtyone:eight on 0303 003 1111 (option1) for confidential advice, guidance and support.
During office hours
If you have a safeguarding referral or enquiry, please email safeguarding@manchester.anglican.org
If you have a safeguarding training query, please email safeguardingtraining@manchester.anglican.org
You can seek further advice by contacting our reception on 0161 828 1400 and asking to speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team. The team is available between the hours of 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Meet the safeguarding team
Abbey Clephane, Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor
Abbey has worked for the Manchester Safeguarding Team for nine years and enjoys supporting parishes with the implementing safeguarding policy and building on the good practice that is already in place to ensure that we are working to the highest of safeguarding standards.
Kathryn Ford, Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor
Kathryn has worked in the Safeguarding team since 2017 and is responsible for safeguarding training arrangements and supporting the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor with day-to-day case management.
Olivia Churchill, Case Worker
Olivia supports parishes who have concerns about a child or adult at risk and undertakes risk assessments in cases where safeguarding information is known. Previously, Olivia worked for Greater Manchester Police.
Amanda Howard, Safeguarding Administrator
Amanda supports the Safeguarding Team with all administrative functions. She is involved in the planning and arrangements for training delivery.
From left Olivia, Abbey, Kathryn and Amanda
Past Case Review 2
We published the Executive Summary of past case safeguarding review (PCR2) that was carried out by the Independent Reviewer between September 2020 and June 2021. Read more here.
Safeguarding development plan
Manchester Diocese Safeguarding Development Plan June 2023 updated Feb 2024
Safe Spaces
Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England.
If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You do not have to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church. Your information will not be shared without your consent unless you or someone else is in immediate danger.
Safe Spaces Services are available on 0300 303 1056 or at Safe Spaces England and Wales
Below are some downloadable Safe Spaces posters that you can display in your church buildings.