Support for People with Lived or Living Experience of Abuse
Reporting Abuse or a Safeguarding Concern
Assistance and Resources for Religious and Our Members
About Us
Putting Those Who Have Experienced Abuse at the Centre of Safeguarding
Use the link below to find out more about how we support Religious Life Groups, people who have lived or living experience of abuse, diocesan colleagues and lay members working or volunteering within the Church.
Religious Have Joined
Our Services
What We Do
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Our team can help with safeguarding case management and much more.
Training
Training
DBS
DBS Checks
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Sign Up to the RLSS?
We will send you the following documents:
1. Contract
2. Data sharing agreement
3. Information for invoicing
Your service will start from the date these documents are returned to us. You will then have 30 days to pay the invoice or apply to the Common Fund to cover the cost of these services.
What Do I Do if I'm Worried About the Safety or Welfare of a Child or an Adult at Risk?
If you’re concerned that a child or adult may be at risk of harm, it’s important to act promptly and with care. You don’t need to have all the details or be certain – raising a concern is about ensuring someone’s safety, not making a judgement.
Here’s what you can do:
- Speak up: Share your concern with your Religious Life Group’s Safeguarding Lead or designated person as soon as possible. If you’re unsure who that is, ask a senior member of your community or contact the RLSS for guidance.
- Record what you know: Make a clear, factual note of what you’ve seen, heard, or been told. Include dates, times, and any direct quotes if possible.
- Avoid investigating: Your role is to report, not to verify. Leave any follow-up or assessment to trained safeguarding professionals.
- In an emergency: If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services by dialling 999.
You are not alone in this. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and your concern could be the first step in protecting someone from harm. If you need support or advice, please reach out to us – we’re here to help.
Can a Safeguarding Concern be Kept Confidential?
We understand that raising a safeguarding concern can feel daunting, and you may worry about the impact on others or your community. While we treat all concerns with sensitivity and care, safeguarding cannot always be kept completely confidential.
When someone is at risk of harm, we have a duty to share relevant information with those who can help protect them. This may include safeguarding professionals, statutory agencies, or designated individuals within your Religious community. We only share what is necessary – and always with the aim of keeping people safe.
What you share will be handled respectfully and appropriately. You won’t be left alone in the process. If you’re unsure about what to do, or need support in raising a concern, please reach out to your Safeguarding Lead or contact the Religious Life Safeguarding Service. We’re here to listen, guide, and walk alongside you.
Testimonials
Kind Words
Your advice and reassurance has guided me, and the monastic community with whom I work, to ensure the needs of those whom we seek to serve are at the forefront of our thinking and our desire to hear their concerns, encourage them, to have a voice and act judiciously on their behalf.
- RLG Leader
It was so great to speak to you! Each time I communicate with you, you unveil the importance of your presence at RLSS and your outstanding competence. You have impressed me with the pleasant surprise of an email I was looking forward to receiving in the next couple of days. Thank you so much.
- RLG Safeguarding Lead
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you and all the casework team at RLSS for your excellent support. I am heartened by your timely responses, return of telephone calls, your manner, attitude, attention to detail, discernment, collaboration and professionalism.
- RLG Leader
Report Abuse or Safeguarding Concerns
RLSS treats all abuse and safeguarding concerns seriously. We will always be open and honest about what needs to happen, who we need to tell and why. Often we can do this anonymously so we don’t need to pass on your name with the concern you have raised.