Safeguarding at Worcester Cathedral
Worcester Cathedral is committed to ensuring we provide a warm, welcoming and safe environment for all, including children and adults who may be at risk of abuse and neglect.
The care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in Cathedral activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of the Cathedral Community.
Our work towards ensuring Worcester Cathedral remains a safe space for all is supported by the work of the Cathedral’s Independent Safeguarding Group and discussions with the Diocesan Safeguarding Management Group.
Chapter accepts and adopts in full the contents of The Church of England’s Safeguarding Policy for Children, young people and adults, “Promoting a Safer Church”. (July 2017)
How to access safeguarding services in Worcester
Below is information on how to access safeguarding services to report abuse or tell your story, provided by the Diocese of Worcester and the Church of England. If you have concerns about the immediate safety of someone please don't delay in ringing the Police on 999, or contact the Children or Adult Services listed on the Diocese of Worcester safeguarding pages here.
How to report abuse or concerns
If you have concerns about a child, young person or an adult who may have been harmed or be at risk of harm, please contact the Cathedral or Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers for advice and support:
- Canon Kimberly Bohan, Cathedral Safeguarding Lead
Tel: 01905 732906
Email: kimberlybohan@worcestercathedral.org.uk - Hilary Higton, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
Tel: 07495 060869
Email: hhigton@cofe-worcester.org.uk - Delia Stokes and Claire Arden, Assistant Safeguarding Advisers
Tel: 01905 732800
Email: safeguardingadvice@cofe-worcester.org.uk
If you have concerns about the immediate safety of someone please don't delay in ringing the Police on 999, or contact the Children or Adult Services listed on the Diocese of Worcester safeguarding pages here.
Safe Spaces: an independent service supporting survivors of church-related abuse
Launched in September 2020, this service offers support to survivors of church-related abuse whether or not a report has been made.
This independent service is run by the charity Victim Support and funded by the Church of England together with the Catholic Church in England and Wales and the Church in Wales. It is free to access via telephone, email or web-chat.
Tel: 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)
Email: safespaces@splitz.org
WebChat: via the Safe Spaces website
Worcester Cathedral Safeguarding Policy
Download our latest safeguarding policy here.
Download our whistleblowing policy here.
Worcester Cathedral Safeguarding Audit 2024
Read the INEQE independent safeguarding audit here.
Worcester Cathedral Safeguarding Audit 2021
Read the SCIE independent safeguarding audit here.
Read the response from the Dean and Chapter together with our action plan statement here.
Safeguarding information from the Church of England
Worcester Cathedral follows the advice, guidance, policy and practice of the Church of England in promoting a Safer Church. The Church of England Safeguarding Policy Statement for children, young people and adults is available here.
Useful links:
Further details about safeguarding within the Church of England, including information about how to report abuse and find support, can be found on the Diocese of Worcester safeguarding pages.
Complaints procedure
This formal complaints procedure is for the use of those wishing to complain about how a safeguarding issue has been handled in the Diocese of Worcester. Information on the procedure and how to make a complaint can be found on the Diocese of Worcester Safeguarding Complaints Procedure page.
Our contact details
If you would like to discuss safeguarding at the Cathedral, please contact:
- Canon Kimberly Bohan, Cathedral Safeguarding Lead
Tel: 01905 732906
Email: kimberlybohan@worcestercathedral.org.uk