Statement on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
Every person has a value and dignity, which comes directly from the creation of people in God’s image. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.
We commit ourselves to nurture, protect and safeguard all our members, particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church.
We undertake to exercise proper care in the selection, appointment, training and support of those working with children or vulnerable adults.
We will respond without delay to concerns or allegations that a child or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, cooperating fully in any investigation.
We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.
We will seek to offer pastoral care to anyone who has suffered abuse.
We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.
Further guidance can be found in the National Church’s Safeguarding Policies and Practice Guidance.
The National Church’s Parish Safeguarding Handbook provides further advice on responding to concerns.
Information about our Safeguarding Policy and teams is displayed on noticeboards throughout the Church and in a ring-binder held by the Receptionist.
Safeguarding Team
We have appointed Andy Wooldridge as the Parish Safeguarding Officer.
Our Safeguarding Officer is the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult.
Church Safeguarding Officer
Andy Wooldridge
Email
CHILDREN’S CHAMPION
Katie O’Conor
Email
If there is immediate risk or danger, please contact the Police on 999.
Diocesan (London) Safeguarding Team Contact Details
Email
Telephone: 020 7932 1224, London Diocese Safeguarding Officer
Website
URGENT queries ring CCPAS 24-hour helpline: 0845 120 4550
Website
Helplines
NSPCC
0808 800 5000
Childline
0800 1111
Stop It Now
0808 1000 900
NAPAC
0808 801 0331
Samaritans
116 123
Family Lives
0808 800 2222
National Domestic Violence Helpline
0808 2000 247
Action on Elder Abuse
080 8808 8141
PCC safeguarding policy statement
Please find our Parish Safeguarding statement here