Safeguarding 

Promoting a Safer Church

The Parish of Kildwick, Cononley & Bradley is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults, and to creating churches where everyone can feel safe, respected and cared for.

Safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole Church. We seek to promote a safer culture, prevent abuse, respond well to concerns, and support those who have been affected by abuse.

If you are concerned about someone

If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child or adult, or if someone has told you about something that concerns you, please speak to our Parish Safeguarding Officer or the Vicar.

Parish Safeguarding Officer

Elizabeth Evans
Tel: 07949 782260

Vicar
The Rev'd Mike Green
Tel: 07300 171351

You can also contact the Diocese of Leeds Safeguarding Team directly:

Tel: 0113 353 0257
Email: safeguarding@leeds.anglican.org

The diocesan team is the first point of contact within the Diocese of Leeds for reporting safeguarding concerns or seeking safeguarding advice.

If someone is in immediate danger

If you believe that a child or adult is in immediate danger, call 999.

For an urgent safeguarding concern about a child in North Yorkshire which does not require the emergency services, contact North Yorkshire Children and Families Service on 0300 131 2131. This number also connects to the Emergency Duty Team outside normal office hours. 

For adult social care and safeguarding concerns in North Yorkshire, contact North Yorkshire Council on 0300 131 2131. 

Our Safeguarding Policy

The following Safeguarding Policy was agreed by the Parochial Church Council of the Parish of Kildwick, Cononley & Bradley on 22 September 2026. 

Promoting a Safer Church

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:

• Promoting a safer environment and culture.
• Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
• Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
• Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
• Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
• Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.

The Parish will:

• Create a safe and caring place for all.
• Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
• Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
• Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
• Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
• Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
• Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and statutory agencies immediately.
• Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
• Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
• Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
• Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually. 

Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

The parish has appointed Elizabeth Evans as Parish Safeguarding Officer.

Policy adopted: 22 September 2026

[Download the signed Safeguarding Policy 2026 – PDF]

Safeguarding in the Church of England

Our safeguarding arrangements follow the policies, Codes of Practice and guidance of the Church of England and the Diocese of Leeds.

The Church of England's safeguarding guidance is maintained through its online Safeguarding E-manual. It includes current Codes of Practice and guidance relating to safer recruitment, reporting concerns and allegations, responding to victims and survivors, managing safeguarding concerns, learning and development, and other areas of safeguarding practice. 

[Church of England Safeguarding E-manual]

[Diocese of Leeds Safeguarding information]

Independent help and support

You do not have to raise a concern through the church.

If you would prefer to speak to someone outside the parish or the Church of England, the following organisations may be able to help.

NSPCC
For adults concerned about a child
0808 800 5000

Childline
For children and young people
0800 1111

Samaritans
If you are struggling to cope and would like someone to talk to
116 123

National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Support for women experiencing domestic abuse
0808 2000 247

Men's Advice Line
Support for men experiencing domestic abuse
0808 801 0327

Hourglass
Support relating to the abuse or neglect of older people
0808 808 8141

North Yorkshire Council also provides information about local and national organisations offering support to people affected by domestic abuse and other forms of harm. 

[Further support for victims and survivors – Church of England]