Safeguarding at St Catherine’s
St Catherine’s, Tranmere (“St Caths”) is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and adults at risk. We want everyone to feel safe, respected, and able to raise concerns.
If someone is in immediate danger
Call 999 and ask for the Police (or emergency services). If a child is at immediate risk, do not delay.
Our commitment
We follow Church of England safeguarding policy and House of Bishops’ practice guidance, alongside diocesan safeguarding procedures. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and is part of how we care for one another.
- Promote a safer culture and wellbeing for all.
- Prevent harm through safer practices and vigilance.
- Respond promptly and appropriately to concerns.
- Support those affected, including victims/survivors and others impacted.
Safer recruitment & training
St Caths recruits and supports workers and volunteers safely. Where roles require it, appropriate checks (including DBS checks) and safeguarding learning/training are completed and renewed in line with Church of England expectations.
Report a safeguarding concern
If you have a concern about the safety or wellbeing of a child, young person, or adult at risk, please tell someone. You do not need proof to raise a concern.
How to report (3 simple steps)
- If urgent: call 999.
- Tell St Caths Safeguarding: contact the Parish Safeguarding Officer (details below).
- Also tell the Diocese / statutory services if needed (details below). In safeguarding, it is always okay to ask for advice.
Privacy: Safeguarding concerns may need to be shared with the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and/or statutory agencies to keep people safe.
St Caths safeguarding contacts
- Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO): …….
- Safeguarding email: stcathssafeguarding
@gmail.com - Main church phone: …….
- Church address: St Catherine’s Church, Church Road, Tranmere, Wirral, CH42 0LQ
You can also contact the Diocese of Chester Safeguarding Team directly.
- Diocese email: safeguarding@
chester.anglican.org - Diocese phone: 01928 718834 (option 4)
- Out of hours advice (Thirtyone:eight): 0303 003 1111
What to include in your message
- What happened (or what you are worried might be happening).
- Who is involved (names if known).
- When and where it happened.
- Whether you think anyone is at immediate risk.
- Your contact details (optional, but helpful).
Support for anyone affected
Reporting abuse or harm can be distressing. Independent support is available.
Safe Spaces (independent support)
Safe Spaces 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.
- Helpline: 0300 303 1056
- Email: SafeSpaces@FirstLight.org.uk
- Opening times: Mon–Fri 09:00–21:00 • Sat 09:00–13:00 • Sun 13:00–17:00
Other support (UK)
- Childline: 0800 1111 (under 19s)
- NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 • help@nspcc.org.uk
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
- Victim Support (24/7): 08 08 16 89 111
In an emergency, always call 999.
Local authority safeguarding (Wirral)
If you believe a child or an adult at risk is being harmed, you can contact the local authority teams directly.
Policies, guidance and good practice
Safeguarding in Church of England parishes is underpinned by House of Bishops guidance and diocesan procedures.
Key documents and resources
These open on-screen (no external links). If you need to visit a document online, the popup includes a copyable web address.
What does “visible on the website” mean?
Safeguarding information should be easy to find from the homepage (often via the footer and/or a clear link), and should include who to contact locally, how to contact the diocese, and what to do in an emergency.
Will the church keep things confidential?
People’s privacy is respected. However, safeguarding information may need to be shared with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and/or statutory agencies in order to protect children and adults at risk. This is done carefully and appropriately.
Last updated
This page includes an updated date to encourage regular review.
Last reviewed: 09 Jan 2026
If you spot anything that needs correcting or updating (such as contact details), please tell St Caths.