Westminster Abbey is committed to ensuring that children, young people and adults at risk who come to visit us may worship, learn, and grow in Christ safely.
As part of their commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults – especially vulnerable adults – the Dean and Chapter has in place a safeguarding policy and arrangements which include:
Westminster Abbey's policies govern the work undertaken with children, young people, and vulnerable adults who attend the Abbey Church and St Margaret's Church, or who take part in activities within the Abbey's premises and grounds.
Further guidance and detail on Westminster Abbey's safeguarding policies and procedures can be accessed below.
Westminster Abbey Safeguarding Policy as at March 2019 (PDF, 556KB)
Westminster Abbey Safeguarding Procedures - March 2019 (PDF, 147KB)
Westminster Abbey Safeguarding Roles and Responsibilities - November 2019 (PDF, 433KB)
Westminster Abbey 2017 Independent Annual Safeguarding Review (PDF, 119KB)
Westminster Abbey 2018 Independent Annual Safeguarding Review (PDF, 115KB)
Westminster Abbey is committed to facilitating an environment in which children, young people and adults – especially adults at risk of abuse - are able to visit, worship and grow in Christ safely. Abuse and mistreatment in any form is entirely contrary to Scripture and the Church’s teachings. In respecting the dignity and value of every person the Dean and Chapter is committed to:
The Dean and Chapter will seek to fulfill these through:
Whenever the choristers of Westminster Abbey Choir School are at Westminster Abbey or under the care of our staff or volunteers the provisions of the Choir School Safeguarding Policy and Procedures will apply.
The principles below will guide all elements of safeguarding activity delivered by those at all levels within Westminster Abbey (including the Abbey Church, St Margaret’s Church and Westminster Abbey Choir School):
The Abbey’s policy and procedures apply to all at Westminster Abbey, paid and unpaid, clergy and laity. Those working for or in the Westminster Abbey Choir School or engaging with the choristers are subject and should give priority to following the provisions of the Choir School Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.
This code is provided for all those at Westminster Abbey (the Abbey Church, St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey Choir School, Westminster Abbey Enterprises Ltd.) to follow when working and volunteering with children, young people and adults. The code represents the behaviours which constitute safe practice. As such it will assist those working with children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect to do so safely and responsibly, enabling them to monitor their own standards of integrity and good practice.
You should:
The above set clear expectations of behaviour and codes of practice which serve to reduce the possibilities of positions of trust being abused or misused, or false accusations being made. More detailed guidance on safe working practices, such as when to gain consent, working with and transporting children, can be found in the guidelines available through the Safeguarding Toolkit on the Diocese of London website and in the appendices of Westminster Abbey Choir School’s Safeguarding – Policy and Procedure.
I feel very privileged to work here. I take so much pride in working for a beautiful place like the Abbey, it’s unique.