The Chapter of Hereford Cathedral is committed to:

  • A respectful Christian ministry that ensures the pastoral care and nurture of all children, young people and adults.
  • The safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and vulnerable adults who have contact with the cathedral.
  • The establishing of a safe, caring community that provides a loving environment in which there is a culture of informed vigilance as to the possibility and dangers of abuse.

We will carefully select and train all those with any responsibility in the cathedral community, in line with safer recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring scheme.

We will respond without delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation.

We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with him or her an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.

We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone who is in a position of trust.

We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of the cathedral community who is known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.

In all these principles we will follow current legislation, guidance and recognised best practice.

The Chapter’s Safeguarding Coordinator is Mrs Carolyn Harding; you may contact her via the main cathedral phone number (01432 374200).

A copy of our complete safeguarding policy can be found here.