At St Mary & Christ Church Hendon, we believe that every person has a value and dignity because we are created in God’s own image and likeness. This is fully realised in the person of Jesus Christ. This implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.
The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 25 July 2024.
In accordance with the House of Bishops' policy statements 'Promoting a Safer Church' (2017) and 'Protecting All God's Children (2019) and the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy 'Promoting a Safer Diocese' (2018), St Marys's and Christ Church Hendon 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.
- Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
We will:
- Create a safe and caring place for all.
- Have a named Church Safeguarding Officer (CSO) 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 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 Adviser (DSA) 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.
We have appointed Helen Wilson as our Church Safeguarding Officer (CSO) and Ruth Henney as our Children’s Champion: 020 8203 4232
The Vicar is the Rev'd Dr Julie Gittoes: Vicar@hendonparish.org.uk and 07702 151173
Copies of “Safeguarding in the Diocese of London” and any parish guidelines and procedures are displayed in both our churches. It can also be found here.
Helplines:
- NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
- Childline: 0800 1111
- Stop It Now: 0808 1000 900
- NAPAC: 0808 8010331
- Samaritans: 116 123
- FamilyLives: 0808 800 2222
- ActionOnElderAbuse: 080 8808 8141
- National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from a Safeguarding Adviser or if necessary report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Services or the Police without delay.
Martin Goodwin, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser – martin.goodwin@london.anglican.org, 020 7932 1224
Michelle Burns Edmonton Area Safeguarding Adviser – michelle.burns@london.anglican.org 020 7932 1224
Out of hours advice can be sought from the Thirtyone:eight helpline on 0303 003 1111, selecting option 2. Thirtyone:eight is an independent charity which works in close partnership with the DST. The DST receives notification of any advice given by Thirtyone:eight.