Safeguarding

The National Safeguarding Team (NST) is involved with;

• Developing and implementing national policy
• Casework on complex and high-profile cases
• Commissioning Safeguarding Practice Reviews
• National survivor support and engagement work
• Co-ordinating independent diocesan safeguarding audits
• Strengthening and supporting national safeguarding networks
• Implementation of relevant Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) recommendations

Learn more about the work of the National Safeguarding Team.

• For Safeguarding advice, contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, Rob Marshall on 01904 699509, 07914 668907 or email [email protected].
• For safeguarding training, contact the Safeguarding Training Administrator on 01904 699508 or [email protected].
• For Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) enquiries, contact the Diocesan DBS Administrator on 01904 202561 or [email protected]

If your query relates to a safeguarding issue within the Diocese of York, you can also find information by clicking here.

All 42 dioceses of the Church of England employ a Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO). A DSO is the first point of call for someone wishing to report an allegation of abuse. They manage allegations, advise survivors and work closely with external agencies. They are also involved with training, policies and procedures.

You can find your local Diocesan Safeguarding Officer by clicking here.

If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention, call the emergency services on 999. Do not delay.

Details of the safeguarding team based in your diocese can be found via the relevant diocesan website. You can find your local Diocesan Safeguarding Officer by clicking here.

If you wish to report any safeguarding concerns directly to the Office of the Archbishop of York, you can contact the Provincial Safeguarding Adviser, Sukhbir Singh, at 01904 707021 (main reception), or email: [email protected].

If you are a survivor of abuse in a church context, and would like to talk to someone about this, the DSO in your area will be able to talk you through the different options available for you. You can find your local DSO by clicking here

Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England, Church in Wales or the Catholic Church of England and Wales.

You can contact the Safe Spaces team online, call 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times) or email [email protected].

If you would value support from people who have been through similar experiences, you can contact Minsters and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors (MACSAS). MACSAS is a support group for women and men from Christian backgrounds who have been sexually abused by Ministers or Clergy, as children or as adults.

The following groups may also be of help:

• Childline: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
• Samaritans: 116 123 (free phone number for landlines and mobile phones and open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
• Hourglass: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9am-5pm). Provide support to an older person or anyone concerned about an older person who is at risk of, experiencing or recovering from any form of abuse or neglect.
• The National Association of People Abused in Childhood: Helpline: 0800 801 0331.

Further information about available support on a number of issues can be found at the BBC Action Line webpage.

Nine O’Clock Service, Sheffield
Following the ongoing trial of Chris Brain for alleged offences which occurred during his time leading the Nine O’clock Service in Sheffield, the Diocese of Sheffield has set out the support that can be provided to victims and survivors, as well as signposting to other services that may be of assistance.

Updated 21 August 2025: The Bishop of Sheffield has issued a statement following the trial of Chris Brain.

Resources and training to equip you and your church to engage positively with the protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults in both a practical and theologically informed way.

To access safeguarding training visit the Church of England National Safeguarding Team's online learning portal.

The independent audit by the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) of Bishopthorpe Palace’s safeguarding arrangements was published 31 January 2023.

The SCIE audit was part of a national programme covering Church of England dioceses, cathedrals and palaces. The audit seeks to support safeguarding improvements across governance and leadership, policies and practice guidance, case-work, recruitment and training, ensuring that all offices have the best possible practice in place.

Read the report in full here.