SUPPORT
Safeguarding
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.
Report a 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 (option 1) for confidential advice, guidance and support.
During office hours
Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your local Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) or parish priest in the first instance.
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.
Information for Parish Safeguarding Officers
If you are a Parish Safeguarding Officer or considering taking up the role, information, resources and helpful advice is provided on this web page.
Meet the safeguarding team
Reviews and Audits
Past Case Safeguarding Review 2
The Diocese of Manchester has published an Executive Summary of its past case safeguarding review (PCR2) that was carried out by the Independent Reviewer between September 2020 and June 2021.Â
A previous past cases review, carried out from 2007 to 2009, looked at safeguarding complaints made against clergy in relation to children. PCR2 has been much broader in scope, having looked at all complaints made against clergy and church officials relating to children and adults, including domestic abuse.
A total of 1,407 files were reviewed to assess whether there were any safeguarding concerns that had not been managed appropriately. As a result of the review, three new safeguarding cases relating to children and vulnerable adults, not previously known to the Safeguarding Team, were identified. These were referred to the diocesan Safeguarding Team.
Following PCR2, the Independent Reviewer was able to confirm that in Manchester Diocese:
 all known safeguarding cases, relating to children and adults, have been appropriately managed and reported to statutory agencies where required.
 the needs of any known victims/survivors have been considered, and sources of support identified and offered where this is appropriate.
 all identified risks have been assessed and mitigated as far as reasonably possible.
The Executive Summary of the Manchester Diocese PCR2 report can be accessed here. It should be read in conjunction with the National PCR2 Report which incorporates findings from all 42 dioceses as well as other major Church of England bodies.
PCR2 is the most extensive review of safeguarding records ever conducted by the Church.
The PCR2 review is now complete but our commitment to improving safeguarding practice within the diocese continues. The recommendations and learning from the review will inform the safeguarding development plan, which will provide a framework for improving future practice.
We are grateful to everyone who has played a part in PCR2 in the Diocese of Manchester, including the contribution of external panel members and statutory partners who brought scrutiny to the process.
We are particularly grateful to the victims and survivors who chose to make contact and gave their feedback to the Independent Reviewer.
If you have been affected by abuse
The listening line 0303 003 1111 is a special helpline that has been set up for those who have been affected either directly or indirectly by abuse in a church or cathedral setting. The helpline is staffed by an independent safeguarding charity, thirtyone:eight, and is available seven days a week.  You may be asked to leave a message but will be called back. Calls will be handled sensitively and confidentially.
SCIE Independent Safeguarding Audit
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) was commissioned to undertake an audit of the safeguarding arrangements of each diocese of the Church of England. This was carried out from 23rd to 25th May 2017. The audit process involved an examination of case files and other documents, along with conversations with key individuals and focus groups of parish representatives in the diocese.
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 safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
Below are some downloadable Safe Spaces posters that you can display in your church buildings:
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