All the policy and practice guidance on this page has been approved by the House of Bishops and must, where relevant, be followed by all Church Bodies and Church Officers.

The National Safeguarding Team has advised that the following documents have been removed from their website and are no longer to be used:

• Parish Safeguarding Handbook
• Protecting all God’s Children (2019)
• Promoting a Safe Church (2006)

Please could we ask you not to refer to these documents going forward, and to dispose of any hard copies you may have.

Complaints Procedure

The primary aims of Manchester Diocese’s safeguarding service are to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm, promote their welfare, and minimise risk wherever possible by raising awareness and providing a robust structure whereby any concerns can be reported and receive a prompt and efficient response.

No individual or organisation is perfect and in pursuing these vital aims it is possible that mistakes can be made, either in process or communication or in some other way. In recognition of this, Manchester Diocese has put in place the following clear, accessible and active process for dealing with complaints.

The key principles on which we base our complaints handling are:

• Open and easy access to the process
• The timely resolution of complaints wherever possible
• Respect for complainants and for their voices to be listened to
• A shared commitment at all levels to welcome complaints and comments as an opportunity to improve the service we provide
• Positive action by the diocese in response to complaints which are upheld
• The impartial review of complaints
• For all information regarding a complaint to be treated in strictest confidence
• A commitment to ensuring that wherever possible, complaints are resolved and the relationships are repaired and reconciliation explored
• A commitment to and understanding of cultural equality and diversity.

It is important to note that in responding to complaints, as in all of the activities of the diocese, the welfare of children and the interests of vulnerable adults will always be paramount.

Overall responsibility for this procedure and its implementation sits with the Diocesan Board of Finance.

The document below explains the full details of the Safeguarding Complaints Procedure

To make a complaint, please contact the Independent Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP) by email at safeguardingcomplaints@manchester.anglican.org. Alternatively, you can call our switchboard on 0161 828 1400 in the first instance.