Safeguarding

Safeguarding at St Paul's

children school class engaged shepherd

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. This is a shared responsibility, and one we take seriously every day.

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.

Safeguarding reporting form

Safeguarding Concern Flowchart

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. 

 

children being greeted by member of staff

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.

Whistleblowing

Further support

If you'd like further support, there are lots of different organisations who can provide advice and guidance. These include:

  • Age UK: provides support and advice for older people 0800 678 1602 open everyday from 8am to 7pm.
  • Childline: helpline for those 18 years or younger 0800 1111 open 24 hours.
  • National Domestic Abuse Helpline: for women and children experiencing domestic violence and abuse. 0808 2000 247 open 24 hours.
  • Switchboard LGBT helpline: supports those who are LGBTQ+. 0800 011 9100 open weekdays 9am to 9pm.
  • Respect Men's Advice Line: for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse. 0808 8010327 open weekdays 9am to 8pm.
  • NAPAC: supports recovery from childhood abuse 0808 801 0331 open 10am to 9pm Mon to Thurs; 10am to 6pm Fri
  • NSPCC helpline: provides advice on child protection across a range of sectors. 0808 800 5000 open 8am to 10pm Mon to Fri; 9am-6pm weekends
  • Samaritans: for those who are struggling to cope, or having suicidal thoughts 116 123 open 24 hours
  • Referral line for modern slavery: 0800 808 3733 open 24 hours

More on safety and planning your visit