‘Keeping Safe’
If you have a concern
Most of the time at church we are like a big happy family. However, even in very happy families people, even people we know, love and trust, can upset and harm us. We want to help everyone to have good days all of the time. We try to make sure that people who have jobs in the church always behave well and in a way that is helpful to you. We never want anyone or anything in church to frighten, confuse or worry you.
When to make contact
It is important that you tell us if something is upsetting you, or if you are feeling worried about something that’s happening, or something somebody is doing. We have specially trained people who you can talk to, and who you can ask for help. These people are good at safeguarding. This means they look after everyone’s safety. Caring for people is a very important part of our Christian life.
The people who can help you are:
- Reverend Simon Dean, Priest in Charge, 01522 883325 or simon@stmichaelschurchwaddington.org.uk
- Melanie Caroll, Parish Safeguarding Officer, melanie.carroll1@ntlworld.com
The on duty safeguarding contact for St Michael's can be contacted on 07786 601252.
If you need to speak to someone who isn’t local
If you wish to speak to someone outside St Michael's, the Diocesan Safeguarding Team (01522 504080 or 07432522412). They have information about other places from where you can get help or advice as well.
If your situation is urgent
If you have a serious concern about a child or adult at risk you should contact the Police or the local authority safeguarding team in your area. Please note: you do not need to speak to the either the local Safeguarding Officer or the Diocesan Safeguarding Team first if the matter is urgent.
Keeping safe in general
St Michael's takes the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults very seriously. Our Safeguarding policies and procedures are published here. They have been approved by the PCC and will be reviewed and updated regularly.
St Michael's Safeguarding Policies
- Policy Statement on the Protection and Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults
- Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders and Use of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
See the Church of England's Safeguarding section on their website here
Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone: we all have a responsibility to make sure that all children, young people, and vulnerable adults are safe, secure, and protected from harm not just when involved in Church Activities but all of the time.
What if I have general concerns not connected with the church?
There are a number of organisations you can get in touch with who can help you. These include
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The Emergency Services (Urgent): 999
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Local Police: 101
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Childline: 0800 1111
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Stop It Now! (NSPCC): 0808 800 5000
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Elder Abuse: 0808 808 8141
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Domestic Violence: 0808 2000 247
Where can I find more information on the Church of England safeguarding policies?
Further details on the Church of England's Safeguarding policies, including Protecting All God's Children (safeguarding policy for children and young people, 4th edition, 2010) and Promoting a Safe Church (safeguarding policy for adults, 2006) can be found on the Church of England Safeguarding page.
“The Church of England, its archbishops, bishops, clergy and leaders are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church.
Safeguarding means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means we will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, work to prevent abuse from occurring, seek to protect those that are at risk of being abused and respond well to those that have been abused. We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others, and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks.
The Church of England affirms the ‘Whole Church’ approach to safeguarding. This approach encompasses a commitment to consistent policy and practice across all Church bodies, Church Officers and that everyone associated with the Church, who comes into contact with children, young people and adults, has a role to play.
The Church will take appropriate steps to maintain a safer environment for all and to practice fully and positively Christ’s ministry towards children, young people and adults; to respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help keep them safe from harm.”
— Introduction from the House of Bishops' Safeguarding Policy "Promoting a Safer Church"