Independent Safeguarding Review –
Make your voice heard

Help Southwell Minster review its safeguarding practices to do all we can to keep people safe.

Southwell Minster and the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham are inviting members of the public to have their say in a major safeguarding review. Independent specialists INEQE Safeguarding Group are conducting audits across the Church of England to make sure churches and cathedrals are doing all they can to keep people safe. Find out more about the INEQE Safeguarding Review.

The participation of everyone who is part of the life of the Minster is critically important, and you can help by taking part in an anonymous and confidential survey.

The survey is now live and will close at 11.30pm on Wednesday 5th November 2025.

If you would like to take part in a focus group, you can contact the Audit Team.

Safeguarding

Southwell Minster is committed to the protection and safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults, within a culture where safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility.

To discuss safeguarding at the Minster or to report any concerns, contact:

Cathedral Safeguarding Officer
Lucy Andrewartha
T: 01636 817 200
M: 07522 987 853
E: safeguarding@southwell.anglican.org

You can also report a concern online.

Emergencies and Out of Office hours

If your concern is urgent, someone you know is at immediate risk of harm or you have experienced abuse, please don’t delay in reporting your concerns to the Police and/or Social Care:

Police: 999

Nottinghamshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH): 0300 500 8090

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8:30am - 5pm
  • Wednesday 10:30am - 5pm
  • Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm

Outside these hours, call the Emergency Duty Team on 0300 456 4546.

Support for victims and survivors of abuse

Southwell Minster is committed to supporting victims and survivors of abuse. We encourage anyone affected by abuse, either as a victim or because they know someone who has been a victim, to seek advice from the services below:

Safe Spaces

Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England, Church in Wales or the Catholic Church of England and Wales.

Find out how to access support

Other services

Here are the contact details of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:

  • NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 – if you are worried about a child
  • Childline: 0800 1111 – if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything
  • Stop It Now: 0808 1000 900 – if you have concerns about child sexual abuse.
  • National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC): 0808 801 0331 – if you are an adult survivor of any form of child abuse
  • National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 – if you are experiencing domestic abuse
  • Samaritans: 116 123 –if you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to
  • Family Lives: 0808 800 2222 – for any aspect of parenting and family life
  • The National Careline: 0800 0699 784 – for the elderly, their carers and their families
  • Hourglass: 0808 808 8141 – for anyone affected by the abuse of older people

For more information on support for victims and survivors of abuse, follow this link.

Cathedral ‘HOPE’ Bench

HOPE Bench

Adjacent to the Minster, we have created a special outdoor space in the quiet and beauty of the Palace Gardens.

The ‘HOPE’ bench seating area is for anyone affected by trauma and loss. All are welcome to use this space to reflect, find solace and leave requests for prayer or support.

The gardens are wheelchair accessible and dogs on leads are welcome.

 

 

Meet the Cathedral Safeguarding Team

Our Cathedral Safeguarding Officer works with a team of professionals at the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham, who will respond to all safeguarding concerns. Here are the people with responsibility for safeguarding oversight and administration at Southwell Minster.

Lucy Andrewartha
Cathedral Safeguarding Officer

Lucy is a qualified Social Worker who joined the Cathedral and Diocesan Safeguarding Team in September 2025. She brings extensive experience in social work with children and families, having worked in a variety of teams both as a practitioner and as a team manager. As Cathedral Safeguarding Officer, Lucy plays a key role in championing safeguarding across the cathedral community. She promotes awareness and understanding of the safeguarding needs of both children and adults, helping to foster a strong and proactive safeguarding culture. Lucy is also the first point of contact for professional advice when concerns are raised, ensuring that all guidance provided is consistent with legislation, policy and the safeguarding framework of the Church of England.

The Revd Canon Amanda Lees
Chapter Safeguarding Lead

Amanda is the Minster’s Canon Missioner and serves as the Chapter Safeguarding Lead, promoting a positive safeguarding culture throughout cathedral life. She oversees safeguarding at a policy level across the Cathedral, ensuring effective liaison and communication with the Cathedral Chapter - the Minster’s governing body.

Philip Morris
Cathedral Chief Operating Officer

Philip is responsible for the implementation of the Minster's strategic agenda. As its senior administrator, Philip has overall responsibility for the effective and efficient performance of all strategic and operational functions at the Cathedral, including safeguarding.

Vicky Thorpe
Cathedral Volunteer Coordinator

Vicky coordinates safeguarding training for the Minster's team of 370+ volunteers. She is a qualified safeguarding trainer for the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham.

Policies and procedures

Southwell Minster’s safeguarding policies and procedures have been developed in line with guidance from the Church of England. The aim is to ensure a safe environment for everyone at the Minster: worshippers, visitors, and everyone who contributes to its activities.

For further information on national policies and guidance issued by the Church of England, click here.

Reviews and Audits

Southwell Minster independent safeguarding audit (September 2021) – Undertaken by the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)  Read the report here

 

Stay in touch

Subscribe to Southwell Minster’s weekly Pew News, which contains safeguarding links and updates.

 

How to make a complaint

If you would like to make a complaint about how Southwell Minster has handled an issue, including safeguarding concerns, please follow the Cathedral Complaints policy.