As the Cathedral reviews our governance and operations in preparation for our registration as a charity under the new Cathedrals Measure, Chapter, following professional advice, we have taken the decision to place lay safeguarding responsibility under the care of Liz Hastings, the Cathedral’s designated professional safeguarding lead. 

This enables streamlined communication and reporting, and means that we can draw on the wealth of expertise and experience which Liz brings to her role.  We have been working with her for some time and have benefitted greatly from her advice.   

Canon Kathryn remains the Chapter Safeguarding Lead, and any concerns should be reported to her; she already works closely with Liz over all aspects of safeguarding. (If the concern relates to the Chapter Safeguarding Lead, a report should be made to Liz, or to any one of the diocesan team.)  We are committed to doing all we can to keep everyone safe, and safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.  We keep all our safeguarding arrangements, including this one, under regular review, and welcome feedback.  Some people will already know Liz, as she regularly attends Cathedral Safeguarding Meetings and comes to other events here (including reading a lesson at one of last year’s carol services!)  She gives some further information about herself below. 

In addition to the details she supplies, here are some useful contacts:

• Out of hours support is provided for the Diocese of Portsmouth by thirtyone: eight – 0303 003 1111

• Portsmouth Adult Services:  023 9268 0810

• Portsmouth Children’s Services:  0845 671 0271

• If anyone is in immediate danger, dial 999

“I’m Liz Hastings, one of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers, and the designated safeguarding representative for Portsmouth Cathedral. Support and assistance can also be obtained from the wider team. As a team we offer professional safeguarding advice and training to the Diocese.

My former career was with Hampshire Constabulary where I worked in a wide range of Policing roles. I spent the majority of my career as a Detective and have experience in the investigation of murder, serious and organised crime and covert policing. I also have a wide range of safeguarding experience both within investigation and partnership working. I find that I make use of many of my policing skills in my role. I work flexible hours and my regular work days are on Monday and Wednesday. I Live in Bishops Waltham with my husband Tony and in my own time I play hockey and golf. I also volunteer as the Safeguarding Officer for Hampshire Ladies’ Golf.  I look forward to coming to the Cathedral again very soon.”

You can contact the team at safeguarding@portsmouth.anglican.org or by phone on 023 9289 9650