Please find below our key safeguarding contacts, both internal and external to the church, and our parish Safeguarding Policy.
We are part of the London Diocese of the Church of England. The Diocesan Safeguarding helpline is: 020 7932 1224
In our parish, the Safeguarding Officer is Naomi Agyekum. If you have any safeguarding concerns at all, please contact her on 07960140684.
Other helpful numbers for Safeguarding concerns you may contact:
- Childline – 0800 1111
- Family Lives (formerly Parentline) – 0808 800 222
- Thirtyone:eight (previously Churches Child Protection and Advisory Service) – 0303 003 1111
- Action on Elder Abuse – 080 8808 8141
- Domestic Violence Helpline for women – National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline – 0808 2000 247.
- Domestic Violence Helpline for men – Man Kind – 01823 334244
- Stop it Now / Lucy Faithfull Foundation – 0808 1000 900. Helpline for anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse.
All those volunteers and employees of the parish who work with children or vulnerable adults are vetted by the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service, formerly the ‘CRB Check’).
Our Safeguarding Policy
The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on May 23 2018.
In accordance with the House of Bishops’ Policy Statements ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ (2017) and ‘Protecting All God’s Children’ (2010) and the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy ‘Promoting a Safer Diocese’ (2018) our church is committed to:
- Promoting a safer environment and culture.
- Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
- Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
- Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
- Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
- Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
The Parish will:
- Create a safe and caring place for all.
- Have a named Church Safeguarding Officer (CSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
- Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
- Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
- Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
- Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
- Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.
- Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
- Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
- Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
- Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.
Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.
This church appoints Naomi Agyekum as the Church Safeguarding Officer.
Incumbent: the Rev Erin M Clark
Churchwardens: Matthew Shelley
Date: 28 May 2018