For safeguarding concerns, queries or training information, in the first instance you should contact your Synod Safeguarding Officer. Please click on their name to email them. If you are unsure about which Synod to contact, please visit https://urc.org.uk/synods

Mersey
Julie Raffety  07964 981262  

North West
Julie Raffety  07964 981262  

Yorkshire
Matt Knowles  07761 525592  

Northern 
Matt Knowles  07761 525592  

East Midlands
Donna Gordon 0121 783 1177 ext: 1009
or
Ioannis Athanasiou 020 7520 2729

West Midlands  
Donna Gordon 0121 783 1177 ext: 1009

Eastern
Nicola Grieves  07515 721 172  

South West
Jan Murphy  01823 275 470 / 07875 454 064             

Wessex
Sharon Barr  77761 78246  

Thames North 
Belinda Nielsend  07716 640 596

Southern
Belinda Nielsend  07716 640 596
The Revd Colin Telfer (adults) 018 4344 8705

Wales
Judy Harris  079 6795 1727 

Scotland
Ruth Goold  079 7411 3120 

Other useful contacts:

URC Safeguarding team – for any other safeguarding queries:
Ioannis Athanasiou: Safeguarding advisor
Direct Line: 020 7520 2729

Thirtyone:Eight
https://thirtyoneeight.org/get-help/helpline/
24-hour helpline: 0303 003 1111

Due Diligence Checking (DDC) – for enquiries relating to criminal record checks (DBS/PVG) 
Email address: contact@ddc.uk.net
Telephone: 0845 644 3298 or 01162 603055

To ensure eligibility for DBS checks:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dbs-eligibility-guidance 

URC Ministries team – for enquiries relating to criminal records checks for ministers / Assembly Accredited Lay Preachers:
Email address: ministries.dbs@urc.org.uk
Telephone: 0207 916 8634

Childline
24-hour helpline: 0800 1111

Age UK
8am to 7pm, every day of the year: 0800169 6565

Action on Elder Abuse
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Helpline: 0800 808 8141

Women’s Aid
24-hour Domestic Violence helpline: 0808 2000 247

Victim Support
24-hour helpline for those affected by crime: 0808 1689 111