Safeguarding

What is Safeguarding?

‘Safeguarding’ refers to the actions a church takes to promote a safer culture and environment for all. In particular, St Mary with St Alban's Parish Church is committed to safeguarding all children, young people and vulnerable adults who use our buildings - to protect and keep them safe from harm.

Why do we need Safeguarding?

Unfortunately in any community, there may be some individuals who could present a risk to others, and this also holds true for churches. We recognise that there have been serious failings in some places of worship in the past. By putting in place robust procedures, the Church of England seeks to ensure that abuse of any kind does not happen again.

The full Diocesan Safeguarding Policy, 'Promoting a Safer Church', can be found here.

Our key Parish Safeguarding Policies can be found at the following links:

• • PCC Safeguarding Policy May 2024
  • Parish Safeguarding Handbook

Mary Field-Smith is our Church Safeguarding Officer [CSO] and is responsible for overseeing the processes involved in safeguarding the welfare and safety of children and vulnerable adults within the parish setting. The CSO is the first point of contact if you have any concerns about the welfare of a child or adult at risk. The CSO can be contacted by email by using the direct link on this page, but if there is an immediate risk of harm, call the police on 999.

Our Safeguarding Policy: a Summary

• We commit ourselves to promote a safer environment and culture.
• We will safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
• We will respond promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
• We will provide pastoral care for any victims or survivors of abuse and any other affected persons.
• We will care pastorally for those who are the subject of concern or allegation of abuse, and any other affected person.
• We will respond to those who may pose a present risk to others.
• We accept and endorse the principles of the Children Act (1989 and 2004) and the House of Bishops’ Policy Statement Protecting All God’s Children (2010). The PCC of this parish has accepted, endorsed and adopted the above Policies together with its own Safeguarding Policy which is reviewed annually.
• The PCC will appoint a Church Safeguarding Officer [CSO] annually.