Reporting a concern
If you are worried about a child or adult at risk, or if you have a safeguarding concern:
Call 999 immediately
Call 999 immediately
Even if you’re unsure, we encourage you to get in touch. Low-level concerns can still be significant and we are here to listen.
What we do
Promoting safe communities
Safeguarding is at the heart of diocesan life, ensuring that all children and vulnerable adults are protected and respected. The Safeguarding Office implements national policies, oversees safe recruitment, manages concerns, and provides training to clergy, staff, and volunteers. It works in collaboration with statutory authorities and other agencies to uphold the highest standards of care. This commitment reflects the Church’s belief in the dignity of every person.
A word from our Bishop
In the Diocese of Lancaster, we are resolutely committed to ensuring that every person—especially children and adults at risk—is protected, respected, and safe in all Church environments. Safeguarding is not simply a legal obligation; it is a Gospel imperative. We follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who knew his flock and protected them. I am grateful for the work of our Safeguarding team, and I encourage anyone with concerns to speak up. We will listen, we will respond, and we will walk with you.
+Paul Swarbrick
Bishop of Lancaster
Our commitment to safeguarding
The Diocese of Lancaster Safeguarding Office ensures that every parish, group, and ministry is a place where all are safe, supported, and valued. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility—and our team exists to guide, support, and oversee this essential work across the Diocese.
Safeguarding Sub-Committee
The Lancaster Diocesan Safeguarding Sub-Committee has strategic oversight of the safeguarding work across the diocese and reports to the Board of Trustees. The sub-committee assists and promotes the importance of safeguarding across all diocesan activities and ministry, including the creation of safe church environments. To enable the promotion of a safer environment within the Catholic Church and to operate within the 8 National Safeguarding Standards as set out by the CSSA. A key role of the sub-committee is ensuring that responses to safeguarding matters are dealt with in a timely manner and statutory authorities are informed and cooperated with. The sub-committee is Chaired by a Lay Safeguarding Trustee, other members include the diocesan Chancellor / Vicar General, Clergy Advisor, and representatives from statutory authorities including health, law, police advisory
Sub-Committee Chair
Memebers
Support for victims and survivors
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse within the Church—past or present—we are here to support you with respect and compassion. You can contact our Safeguarding Office directly, or use an independent service such as:
Reporting a concern
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse within the Church—past or present—we are here to support you with respect and compassion. You can contact our Safeguarding Office directly, or use an independent service such as:
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger. It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased. If you are a member of the public, please refer allegations directly to the police and also to the safeguarding office
Low-level concerns
If you are worried, have any low-level concerns or you are not sure if something is a safeguarding issue, then please do speak to us. We are here to put your mind at ease about any issues you may be concerned about.
Contact our department
Get in touch with our team.
Key contact
