Safeguarding

At Derby Cathedral we take safeguarding very seriously and it is central to Chapter’s care for the life and work of the Cathedral.

Safeguarding means the action we take to promote a safer culture for everyone in church. It means that we will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults. We will be aware of vulnerable people and situations. We will work to prevent abuse from occurring, to protect those who are at risk of being abused, and to respond well to those who have been abused in any way. We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others, and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks.

Derby Cathedral wishes to place the experience of survivors of all forms of abuse, including sexual abuse, at the heart of its safeguarding commitment.

Safeguarding is an item on the agenda for every Chapter meeting.  The Cathedral Safeguarding Committee reports to Chapter and is chaired by a Lay Member of Chapter.

Derby Cathedral’s safeguarding practice was audited in March 2019 by the Social Care Institute of Excellence (SCIE) and the report is available to read on this page.  As a result of the recommendations from the audit, an action plan was put together.  This has now been completed and available to download, together with the Cathedral’s Safeguarding Policy and related documents.

We undertake to

• Promote a safe environment for all.
• Respond promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
• Follow ‘Safer Recruitment’ processes and checks for all staff or volunteers with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults within the Cathedral.
• Care pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected people.
• Care pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse.
• Respond to those that may pose a present risk to others.