Safeguarding Links on Parish Websites

Supporting Your Parish Through Our Website Transition

Thank you for your patience as we complete our transition to our new diocesan website. Supporting parishes in your mission and ministry remains our top priority, and we're here to help you every step of the way.

How We're Here to Help

We're delighted to continue supporting many of you with safeguarding compliance by providing reliable links from your parish websites to our diocesan safeguarding resources and emergency contact information.

A Quick Update You Need to Know

As part of moving to our new website domain, some links between parish websites and our diocesan site have unfortunately been disrupted. We want to help you address this quickly so your parish can maintain full safeguarding compliance with easily accessible contact information.

What This Means for Your Parish

We've discovered that some parish websites may still contain links pointing to safeguarding information on our previous site. To ensure your parish remains fully compliant, we'd appreciate your help in updating these links.

We know how important it is for safeguarding information to be clearly visible and easily accessible on your parish website. Having current, working links helps protect everyone in your community and ensures you meet all necessary requirements. Clear safeguarding information is essential, and we want to support you in getting this right.

Simple Steps to Take

We'd be grateful if you could review your parish website at your earliest convenience.

If your site includes a link to our diocesan safeguarding page, please check that it directs visitors to our current URL: https://www.chesterdiocese.org/safeguarding

A Gentle Reminder

Both the incumbent and the Parochial Church Council (PCC) share responsibility for ensuring safeguarding information is prominently displayed and easily accessible from your parish website homepage.

We're Here to Support You

To help you meet these important requirements and follow best practice, we've prepared a model safeguarding statement below that you're welcome to use or adapt for your website. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance with this process.

Model template for use on Parish Websites

Safeguarding

At [church/parish name] we work hard to maintain a safe environment for all.

We are committed to implementing the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policies and good practice guidance.

If you have any concerns or enquiries regarding safeguarding, please contact our safeguarding officer.

Parish Safeguarding Officer: [Name]

Email: [Generic PSO email address]

Phone (optional):

The Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be contacted at safeguarding@chester.anglican.org 

or on 01928 718834 (option 4)

Out of Hours Support

The Diocese of Chester partners with Thirtyone:eight and you can access their Safeguarding Helpline if the Diocesan Safeguarding Team is unavailable - this also includes any safeguarding queries outside of office hours on weekdays and weekends. Thirtyone:eight can be contacted on 0303 003 1111.

In the case of an emergency

If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police on 999 and/or your local authority Children or Adults Service.

Helplines

Safe Spaces England and Wales - 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, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.

Email: SafeSpaces@FirstLight.org.uk 

Safe Spaces Helpline: 0300 303 1056

Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 21:00

Saturdays: 09:00 - 13:00

Sundays: 13:00 - 17:00

Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours)

Parent Line: 0808 800 2222

National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours)

Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours)

Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (freephone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)