Safeguarding
We have adopted the Southwark Diocesan 'A Safe Church' policy, which may be found at the Southwark Diocese website.
The Parish Safeguarding Officer is Rob Shrimpton and the Deputy Safeguarding Officer is Carol Baker. They can be contacted at safeguarding@ccnm.org. You can also contact our Churchwardens at churchwardens@ccnm.org.
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding means protecting people’s health, wellbeing and human rights and enabling them to l live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. It is fundamental to flourishing Christian communities and is evidenced in good pastoral care.
Why does safeguarding matter in a Christian community?
Jesus talked of the kingdom of God belonging to children; he gave them status, time and respect. Jesus also showed himself to be compassionately on the side of those without power, reaching across social barriers with the inclusive love of God. A Christian approach to safeguarding children, vulnerable adults and those in abusive relationships therefore asks both individuals and communities to create a safe environment for them, to act promptly on any complaints made, to care for those who have been abused in the past, and to minister appropriately to those who have abused.
Who are we safeguarding?
- Children and Young People
- Adults at risk of neglect and abuse
- Survivors of abuse
- Those who pose a risk to others
- Church Officers, Leaders, Helpers
What makes the church different from other institutions?
- We welcome all comers – everyone has the right to worship
- We have a duty of care to victims and survivors, those who may be at risk and perpetrators of abuse
- Our membership is fluid – we never know who may turn up and often know little about them
- We may have both a victim and an abuser in our community
- We attract vulnerable people
- Leaders are not professionally trained for their work with vulnerable people
- Those in prominent roles are perceived as people who can be trusted
- Blurring of boundaries between church and home life may provide potential opportunities for grooming.
Safeguarding in the Church
Our safeguarding response is only as good and strong as the initial response. The Welfare of any person who feels vulnerable – child or adult – must always be held paramount, no matter how uncomfortable that may be, because only in that way can we create a church that is safer for everyone.
What to do if you are worried:
If you suspect that a child or adult is being abused, or if you suspect another volunteer of abuse, or if you or another volunteer is accused of abuse:
- Do not try to deal with the situation yourself
- Do not discuss the concerns with the alleged perpetrator
- Do not discuss the issues with anybody, especially those involved
- Notify the Parish Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible; if the Parish Safeguarding Officer is not available notify the clergy
- In an emergency, contact either the Police or your Local Authority Children’s or Adults’ Services (see below)
- Record your observations and conversations.
Where to get help with child and adult safeguarding issues
You can contact the local authority (Kingston Council) if you are concerned about a child or young person or if you are concerned about a vulnerable adult.
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).
Contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team
For current contact details, please refer to the Diocesan Safeguarding contact page at southwark.anglican.org/safeguarding/contact-the-team.