Clergy, lay staff and volunteers who work within the organisation and/or as part of the congregation are required to follow good policy and practice to ensure that children, young people and vulnerable adults are safeguarded and nurtured physically, emotionally and spiritually. High professional standards are maintained in all worship and all pastoral, counselling, educational, and recreational situations involving children, young people and vulnerable adults.

To facilitate this all clergy, lay staff, volunteers and members of the congregation working with or seeking to work with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults are properly recruited, screened, trained and supported.

Find the Cathedral’s Safeguarding Policy Statement below.

Safeguarding Contacts

Diocesan Safeguarding Team - safeguarding@portsmouth.anglican.org or telephone 023 9289 9665.

You can visit the Diocese of Portsmouth’s safeguarding page here.

Policy Statement

The following policy statement was agreed at the Chapter meeting held on 23rd November 2022 (as updated)

As members of Chapter, we commit our Cathedral Church community to the support, nurture, protection and safeguarding of all, especially the young and vulnerable. We recognise that our work with children, young people and adults who may be at risk is the responsibility of the whole church community and are fully committed to acting within current legislation, guidance, national frameworks and the Diocesan Safeguarding procedures.

1.    We will ensure that all the necessary checks are made to promote the safe selection and recruitment of those who work with vulnerable groups, and provide the necessary supervision, support and training to them in order that they can undertake their roles effectively.

2.    We will respond without delay to every concern raised that a child, young person or adult may have been harmed, or be at risk from harm.

3.    We will fully co-operate with the Diocese and appropriate statutory agencies during any investigation into abuse, including when allegations are made against a member of our Cathedral Church community.

4.    We commit ourselves to respectful pastoral care for all children and adults to whom we minister.

5.    We commit ourselves to promoting safe practice by those in positions of trust.

6.    The Cathedral Church community adopts the guidelines of the Church of England and the Diocese.

7.    Each person who works with vulnerable groups, including children, will agree to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by the Cathedral Church.

8.    We are committed to reviewing our policy annually, and as part of this, check that our Cathedral Church’s safeguarding procedures are up-to-date and relevant.

Our Cathedral Church’s Safeguarding Representative for Children and for Vulnerable Adults and Chapter Lead is: 

The Revd Canon Harriet Neale-Stevens:  email harriet.neale-stevens@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk Phone 023 9400 8890

Our DBS Identity Validator and Safeguarding Administrators are:

Liz Snowball: email liz.snowball@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk. Phone 023 9289 2963

Rachael Forder: email rachael.forder@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk.  Phone 023 9282 3300 extn 222.