Safeguarding

Safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm.

Trinity Cheltenham is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.

We take action to ensure that the welfare of these vulnerable groups is a priority in all that we do. We do this by aligning ourselves with the Church of England’s policy documents. The following documents form the cornerstone of Trinity’s safeguarding framework for achieving the highest safeguarding standards.

Promoting a safer church
The Parish Safeguarding Handbook
Our PCC Safeguarding Policy Statement

  • • We safely recruit, train and support all those who work with children and vulnerable adults within the church, so that they have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to any safeguarding concern.

    • We respond promptly and appropriately to every safeguarding concern that is raised

    • We care pastorally for victims/ survivors of abuse and other affected persons

    • We care pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of a safeguarding nature

    • We respond to those that may pose a present risk to others

    • We encourage the Church Family to be part of our safeguarding strategy and to be alert to potential safeguarding issues.

  • We believe it’s an honour to be part of such a rich and diverse church family and hold a high value on ensuring that everyone can engage with church life and meet with God in a safe and appropriate way. We share a long-established model of governance and safeguarding which unites church and charity law to ensure proper oversight and transparency for all our ministry and mission.

    See here for more.

Safeguarding Training

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The Church of England’s Safeguarding Policy Statement

“The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of the whole Church. Everyone who participates in the life of the Church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all”

  • There are resources and training through the Gloucester Diocese designed to equip us all to engage positively with the protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults in both a practical and theologically informed way.

    Click here to find out how you can take the basic online training.

Raising a concern

If someone is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical attention, call 999.
If the situation you are reporting is not an emergency, please use the contact details below.

Please note, we are aware as a large church we may have people who will be directly impacted by safeguarding concerns and investigations in other organisations, most recently “Soul Survivor” and the Makin Report. If you have been impacted personally or have any concerns, we encourage you to contact the Safe Spaces helpline (details below). Alternatively, contact The Diocese of Gloucester Safeguarding Team or the Trinity Cheltenham Safeguarding Officer.

  • Helen Moss is our Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) and is the first person to speak to if you have any concerns about the welfare of a child, young person or vulnerable adult.

    Helen can be reached via the church office on 01242 808780 or you can can contact by email.

  • Safeguarding Manager & DSO (Monday to Thursday) - Brett Riches
    Tel: 01452 835516 (in office hours) / 07944 680320 (out of hours)*
    Email: safeguarding@glosdioc.org.uk

    Assistant Diocesan and Cathedral Safeguarding Advisor - Melanie Biscoe
    Tel: 01452 835516 / 07944 680320 (out of hours)*
    Email: safeguarding@glosdioc.org.uk

    Deputy Diocesan Secretary (Lucy Taylor)
    Tel: 07811174125
    Email: ltaylor@glosdioc.org.uk

    *Out of hours cover on weekends is provided by thirtyone:eight – 0303 003 1111

  • The National Safeguarding Team manages safeguarding cases relating to senior clergy including bishops and deans. Contact safeguarding@churchofengland.org or use the form on this linked page.

  • Safe Spaces (0300 303 1056) is a free and independent support service 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.

Safeguarding Team

Helen Moss is the Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) and is the first person to speak to if you have any concerns about the welfare of a child, young person or vulnerable adult.

Helen can be reached via the church office on 01242 808780, or get in touch via email using the button below:

A smiling elderly woman with gray hair and glasses, wearing a blue puffer jacket, a white scarf with blue patterns, and standing outdoors.

Helen Moss
Parish Safeguarding Officer

Email Helen