Safeguarding at St Paul's
We take safeguarding very seriously. We're committed to protecting the wellbeing of children and adults who may be vulnerable, whether they're worshipping, visiting, working or volunteering here.
Our Safeguarding Lead is The Reverend Canon Dr Catherine Okoronkwo, Canon Steward and a member of the Cathedral's Governing Body.
Raising a safeguarding concern
There are lots of ways to report a safeguarding concern, and the information you pass to us when reporting is kept private. But if sharing information is necessary to keep a child or vulnerable adult safe, we may pass on relevant details to statutory agencies, the Diocese of London or other Cathedrals. Safeguarding reports are stored securely and handled in line with data protection legislation.
In person
If you're in the Cathedral or grounds and you, or someone you know, is at risk of abuse, harm, neglect or exploitation, please find a Minister or a Virger. In the unlikely event of your not being able to find a Minister or a Virger, please approach any member of staff, who will find someone to help you. If you witness an event you find worrying while visiting us, don't wait - please let a member of our team know as soon as you can.
By email
If you’re not in the Cathedral, or you’d rather share your concerns in writing, you can complete our Safeguarding Reporting Form with as much detail as possible and email it to safeguarding@stpaulscathedral.org.uk.
By phone
During working hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) please call our Reception on 020 7246 8350 and let us know you’d like to speak to someone about a safeguarding concern, or that you or someone else needs help. We’ll put you through to our Chaplain, another Minister, or our Safeguarding Officer. And if they’re not immediately available, we’ll make sure someone calls you back.
Outside working hours, the Christian safeguarding charity 31:8 runs a free, 24-hour helpline on 0303 003 1111. If someone is at immediate risk, please call 999 straight away.
Our safeguarding policy
Protecting and caring for children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in church life is a shared responsibility across our whole community. This safeguarding policy and its supporting guidance sets out how we work together to keep people safe, and to foster a culture that's open, supportive and secure.
Our Safeguarding Advisory Group
The Safeguarding Advisory Group (SAG) works to make sure the highest standards of safeguarding are being met here. It provides independent oversight and reports directly to Chapter, and where a concern can’t be resolved at Cathedral level, the Group also has a duty to report to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team or the Local Authority.
Safeguarding reports
Each year, our independent Chair of the Safeguarding Advisory Group prepares an annual safeguarding report. These reports set out how we’re doing, highlight areas of strength, and help make sure we continue to learn, improve and keep people safe.
- Independent Safeguarding Audit 2026
- Independent Safeguarding Audit 2021
- SCIE Audit Action Plan June 2025
- St Paul's Cathedral Safeguarding Report 2024
- St Paul's Cathedral Safeguarding Report 2023
- St Paul's Cathedral Safeguarding Report 2022
Whistleblowing
Further support
If you’d like further support, there are a range of organisations outside St Paul's that can offer advice, guidance and support:
Age UK: 0800 678 1602
Their free, confidential, national phone service is open 8am to 7pm, 365 days a year for older people, their families, friends, carers and professionals.
Childline: 0800 1111
Free helpline and counselling service open 24 hours a day, every day, for children and young people under the age of 18.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
This free, 24 hour helpline for women and children experiencing domestic violence and abuse is ran by Refuge, the UK's largest specialist domestic abuse charity.
Switchboard: 0800 0119 100
Switchboard is the UK’s LGBTQIA+ freephone support line. They're open daily from 10am until 10pm.
Respect - Men's advice line: 0808 8010327
This free advice line is for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse, and is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm.
NAPAC (the National Association for People Abused in Childhood): 0808 801 0331
NAPAC (the National Association for People Abused in Childhood) offers support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect. Their free, confidential support line is open Monday to Thursday, 10am to 9pm and on Fridays from 10am to 6pm.
NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) helpline: 0808 800 5000
The NSPCC Provides advice on child protection across a range of sectors. Their free helpline is open between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Samaritans: 116 123
Samaritans provides emotional support for those who are struggling to cope, or having suicidal thoughts. Their free helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day.
City and Hackney Mental Health Crisis Line: 0208 432 8020
This NHS service is available 24 hours a day to support people living in the City of London and Hackney, who experience a mental health crisis. The helpline is free to call and available 24 hours a day including at weekends and Bank Holidays.
More on safety and planning your visit
Find out everything you need to know to get the most out of your visit to St Paul’s, including opening times, ticket types and prices and what's on offer.
