The GB Province of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest is committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church.
Reporting abuse
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger.
It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased. As per the code of conduct, if you are in any role within the Catholic Church in England and Wales, you must refer allegations directly to the Safeguarding Team in your diocese or the Religious Life Safeguarding Service, or directly to the police.
If you are a member of the public attending this apostolate, please refer your allegations directly to the police and to the Diocesan Safeguaring Office:
Shrewsbury Diocesan Safeguarding or Telephone 0151-652-9855 (Monday – Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm)
The Religous Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS) is an independent team of safeguarding professionals offering safeguarding services to the Religious of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. The RLSS oversee safeguarding concerns surrounding clergy (whereas Diocesan teams deal primarily with laity matters). The RLSS can be contacted : or Telephone 0151 556 2311
Importantly, remember if you are concerned about the safety and welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in imminent danger.
All Church activity should provide a safe environment which promotes and supports the wellbeing of everyone and protects them from harm.
The Catholic Church in England and Wales has committed to a common set of National safeguarding standards to help protect children and adults who may be vulnerable or at risk. Each Diocese has a Safeguarding Team and a Trustee Sub Committee, which has oversight of that work.
St Winefride’s has a designated Safeguarding Representative, provided through the Cathedral parish. The representative is Tony Burns, who can be contacted at or via the Parish Office on 01743 290000. Tony acts as the link between the apostolate and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, and he promotes safe practice in all activities involving children and adults at risk.
We have established a suite of policies that underpin our commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for clergy, staff, volunteers, and all who visit. They can be read here.
Our safeguarding statement can be viewed here.
Safe Spaces
Safe Spaces provides crucial support for individuals affected by abuse within Catholic institutions, offering a compassionate and confidential space for healing and justice. By ensuring survivors have access to guidance, counseling, and advocacy, SafeSpaces empowers them to navigate their experiences with dignity and receive the assistance they deserve. The organisation is dedicated to fostering trust and accountability, helping to create a safer, more transparent environment where voices are heard and positive change is embraced. If you or someone you know needs support, Safe Spaces stands ready to offer understanding, guidance, and a pathway toward healing.
More information can be found here.