Safeguarding

At Bath Abbey we are committed to the safety of all our members and take safeguarding seriously. All of our Clergy, staff and volunteers who are in contact with children, young people or vulnerable adults have undergone DBS (Disclosure and Barring System) checks.

We adopt the House of Bishops’ National Safeguarding Policies and Practice, and each new PCC, as one of its first actions, adopts the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy as that for the Abbey. Details of these are available below:

We work with the Diocesan Safeguarding team, statutory bodies and other agencies to foster and deliver best practice within our community, and have a Safeguarding policy which is reviewed and signed off annually by the PCC.

We are committed to:

  • The care, nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry of, all children, young people and adults
  • The safeguarding and protection of all children and adults
  • The establishment of a safe, caring community which provides an environment where there is a culture of informed vigilance regarding the dangers of abuse, and where victims of abuse can report or disclose abuse and find support
  • The promotion of best practice that contributes to the prevention of abuse

In all principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice.

Safe Spaces

A new service providing vital support for survivors of church-related abuse is now operational.

Safe Spaces, commissioned by the Anglican and Catholic Churches in England and Wales, will be run by Victim Support, a national charity with a track record of providing survivor support.

Contact Information

For out of hours emergency calls or concerns that cannot wait until the next working day you can reach us on 07834 514842.

Please note this is not manned 24-hours a day, but if you leave a message you will receive a call back as soon as practicable.

If you have any concerns about the possible abuse of a child, young person or vulnerable adult, please contact:

Bath Abbey's Parish Safeguarding Officer - Natalie Cox-Mullings01225 303344 or ncox-mullings@bathabbey.org
A member of the Abbey clergy01225 422462 or office@bathabbey.org
Diocesan Safeguarding Manager – Ben Goodhind01749 588917 / 07834 514842 or email ben.goodhind@bathwells.anglican.org

You can also contact one of the following organisations who can provide support for those suffering abuse:

  • NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
  • Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
  • Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
  • Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)