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 safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults to worship and grow in Christ safely.

If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention, call the emergency services on 999.  Do not delay.

Parish Safeguarding Officer

• The PCC has appointed Katherine Soanes as the Parish Safeguarding Officer.  Katherine can be contacted via email: safeguarding@stclementandstjames.org.uk
• In addition we have a Children’s Champion at both our churches.  Dr Rachel Carr (St Clement) & Anna Lee (St James)

Further information on Safeguarding

• The Diocese of London Safeguarding team can be contacted on their Safeguarding Helpline which is monitored by the Diocesan Safeguarding Team Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.  From 5pm to midnight on weekdays, and from 9am to midnight on weekends and bank holidays, please contact the 31:8 helpline on 0303 003 1111 and select option 2.
• If you wish to report any safeguarding concerns directly to the Church of England National Safeguarding Team please email safeguarding@churchofengland.org. They will ensure that any concerns are referred to the relevant diocese and/or statutory agency, as appropriate.

Safeguarding Policy

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 8th July 2024.

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy 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.

The Parish will: 

• Create a safe and caring place for all.
• Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) 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 both 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 Team 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.

• NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0800 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: 08457 90 90 90 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
• Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 0808 808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)
• Family Lives, a confidential and free* helpline service for families in England and Wales (previously known as Parentline). Helpline: 0808 800 2222 or askus@familylives.org.uk

Churchwardens:
St Clement
Frederica Venn 
St James
Matthew Barrett & Doreen Patterson