Contact details

If you would like to discuss safeguarding at the cathedral or need to report any concerns, you can contact York Minster’s Cathedral Safeguarding Officer using the following details:

Caroline Wood
T: 01904 559542

M: 07843 339980

E: carolinew@yorkminster.org

The Chapter of York is committed to the protection, safeguarding, care and nurture of all children and vulnerable adults who visit the cathedral.

Below you can find details of our policy and procedures which have been developed in line with guidance from the Church of England. The aim is to ensure a safe environment for everyone who wishes to worship at the cathedral, visit or contribute to its activities.

Safeguarding information can also be found on the Church of England website and the Diocese of York website.

Support for Victims and Survivors of Abuse

York Minster works with the Church of England and the Diocese of York to respond well to victims and survivors of abuse. You can contact the York Minster Safeguarding Officer at: deec@yorkminster.org, or get more information at the Diocese of York webpages: Victim and Survivor Support  – Diocese of York

Victims and Survivors Charter:

This is our promise to you

​If you have something you want to talk about it is important you feel you:

• Are believed and be listened to
• Are valued as a whole person
• Are able to make choices and decisions about what to tell us, and what happens
• Understand that we cannot always keep information confidential and now who needs to be told, and why
• Are told about what is happening in your case regularly
• Are well supported in choosing if you want a referral or an introduction to other people who can help you e.g. the Police, other agencies who can help
• Are supported to be able to provide information, or talk to someone (if you wish to) to explain how what happened made you feel and what it means to you now
• Are supported in continuing to come to Church, if that is what you want to do
• Are given support to find help from victims’ support services, like people or charities who can help you
• Are offered support by the Church from someone specially trained as a listener, if that is what you want
• Are given clear information about what has happened as a result of what you have told us.

If you have been the victim of any abuse, contact our safeguarding adviser for advice, help and support.

If you have been the victim of church-based abuse, see the following document: Responding well to victims and survivors of abuse or visit this page on the Church of England website: Responding Well to Victims and Survivors of Abuse | The Church of England

You can download our advice leaflet HERE.

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking

The Clewer Initiative is enabling Church of England dioceses and wider Church networks to develop strategies to detect modern slavery in their communities and help provide victim support and care.

If you suspect that someone is the victim of modern slavery or human trafficking, speak to the York Minster Cathedral Safeguarding Officer at: deec@yorkminster.org or visit the Clewer Initiative website to find out how to report it: The Clewer Initiative | Report It

Online training is available. Contact deec@yorkminster.org for further information.

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, is extremely damaging and is a crime.

If you have concerns about someone’s immediate safety, contact the police on 999. If you want to talk to someone about your concerns, contact deec@yorkminster.org, ring the police or contact IDAS (see below).

Visit the Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS) website to get further information on domestic abuse and what to do if you need help for yourself or someone else. You can download their leaflet HERE.

Online training is available. Contact deec@yorkminster.org for further information.

Publication of Independent Safeguarding Audit

A report following an independent review of the Diocese of York and York Minster’s safeguarding work has been published today. Carried out by INEQE in March, the audit is part of a national programme, commissioned by the Archbishops’ Council to look at safeguarding in each diocese and cathedral in the Church of England.

The report is split into two sections; the first half covers the Diocese of York, and the second, York Minster.

Archbishop Stephen says: “It is heartening that the report found the Diocese of York has a sound safeguarding culture, with clear recognition of safeguarding not merely as a procedural requirement but as a fundamental aspect of Christian life.

“The report particularly notes the hard work and commitment of the many volunteers who give dedicated service in our parishes and those trusted with local leadership, who are credited with creating environments within which concerns can be raised with confidence and without fear of reprisal. My personal thanks go to all those who give so freely of their time and of themselves to serve their communities, and to those who spoke with the auditors to offer their perspectives.

“The proactive contribution of our diocesan Safeguarding Team is seen as being central to building the foundations on which the recent improvements in safeguarding culture and practice are being delivered. The report also recognises the strength of the governance mechanisms in place in the diocese, finding these to be well-structured, effectively providing challenge and focused on key safeguarding standards. The report does make recommendations as to how our journey of improvement can be further accelerated, and how we can all continue to ensure that we are equipped to play our part in caring for each other, and for those who come to us seeking shelter and support.

“Here in the Diocese of York and in York Minster, we embrace this report, not simply because of the good practice that it has identified, but also for the ways in which it helping us look to the future, to ensure that safeguarding is at the heart of everything that we do, we can continue to fulfil God’s command to love one another.”

The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, Dean of York, says: “The Chapter of York welcomes the report by INEQE. We are pleased that it acknowledges the high-quality work being carried out at York Minster. I’d like to add my personal thanks to the team of staff and volunteers who contribute towards creating a safer place for all.

“We also welcome the report’s recommendations, which will help us build on our existing progress and further strengthen our commitment to best practice in safeguarding.”

Further details about safeguarding within the Church of England can be found by using the links below, including information about how to report abuse and find support:

• Church of England safeguarding information
• Diocese of York safeguarding information