Safeguarding in the Parish
'A Safe Church'
The diocesan guide to safeguarding
policies and procedures:
http://www.southwark.anglican.org/what/diocesan-policies-procedures
New guidance for those working with young people
A recent audit has highlighted the need to clarify procedures that should be followed, if someone wishes to raise an allegation or concern, with regard to abuse or inappropriate behaviour. The procedures are clearly laid out in ‘A Safe Church’ which is a manual produced by the Diocese, containing policies and procedures which are formally reviewed and adopted by the PCC each year. If you wish to read this manual at any time, please ask one of the Parish Safeguarding Officers (PSO) or a member of the clergy, as a copy is accessible in church. Contact details for your PSO’s and Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) are now included in the contacts page.
With regard to an allegation of abuse disclosed or signs of abuse observed of a child or vulnerable adult, you should keep a record of the conversation and observation carefully, and then inform the Rector or PSO within the next 24 hours. They will in turn inform and seek advice from the DSA. In the case of an emergency situation, you should call emergency services if the child/vulnerable adult need medical help, in addition to informing as above. If the child/vulnerable adult cannot return home, contact Social Care or the police.
An allegation of abuse by a church officer, (which includes clergy, readers, SPA’s, churchwardens, servers, organists, those, paid and unpaid, who hold positions of responsibility and work with children) should be reported to the DSA immediately. They will in turn inform the diocesan Bishop and the Archdeacon.
Any complaints or grievances not relating to children or vulnerable adults should be raised and resolved at parish level, with problems being brought directly to the person(s) deemed responsible for that area. Complaints and grievances against clergy or licensed or commissioned ministers should be addressed to the Archdeacon.
This article is designed to give you more confidence and knowledge about how allegations and concerns would be managed, not to worry you. Please discuss with your PSO’s or the clergy if you have any queries about any of the details above.
Safeguarding Officer
Lindi Smith-Cox 07828 296311
Serena Fowler 07828 296311
Who will you talk to if you observe or are told about child or adult protection concerns?
Is the child or adult safe? If in immediate danger, take emergency steps e.g. ambulance, police or children’s or adult’s services.
Most situations are not emergencies – seek advice before action: contact the parish safeguarding officers, who will contact the Diocesan safeguarding team.
Police Safer Neighbourhood Team:
Emergency – always dial 999 (textphone 1800)
Non-emergency - dial 101 (textphone 18001 101)
Diocesan Safeguarding Team:
Who can you talk to if you observe or are told about child or adult protection concerns?
Is the child or adult safe? If in immediate danger, take emergency steps e.g. ambulance, police or children’s or adult’s services.
Most situations are not emergencies – seek advice before action: contact the parish safeguarding officers, who will contact the Diocesan safeguarding team.
Police Safer Neighbourhood Team:
Emergency – always dial 999 (textphone 1800)
Non-emergency - dial 101 (textphone 18001 101)
Diocesan Safeguarding Team:
The Southwark Diocesan Safeguarding Team is available Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (with last calls being taken at 4.30pm) (excluding bank holidays), and can be contacted for advice and support via the following routes during these hours:
Safeguarding referrals/general enquiries:
safeguarding@southwark.anglican.org / Telephone: 0207 939 9441
Safeguarding training enquiries:
safeguardingtraining@southwark.anglican.org / Telephone: 0207 939 9476
Admin and DBS enquiries:
safeguardingadmin@southwark.anglican.org /Telephone: 020 7939 9478
Emergencies:
If you suspect you or someone is at risk of immediate harm, phone 999.
For safeguarding advice outside of office hours please see the following options:
- If someone is at risk of immediate harm contact the police on 999.
- For non-urgent enquires email or call the Diocesan Safeguarding Team who will respond as soon as possible during office hours.
- For urgent safeguarding advice contact your local social services, provided by local authorities, out of hours contacts can be found below:
Croydon Episcopal Area
Croydon: 0208 726 6400
Sutton: 0208 770 5000
Surrey: 01483 517 898
Local support services
Hub of Hope is the UK's leading support database, bringing local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS services together in one place for the first time. A wide range of local support can be accessed by inputting your postcode online here.
Hub of Hope is the UK's leading support database, bringing local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS services together in one place for the first time. A wide range of local support can be accessed by inputting your postcode online here.
Emergencies: If you suspect you or someone is at risk of immediate harm, phone 999.
NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
Childline www.childline.org.uk 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
Action on Elder Abuse www.elderabuse.org.uk 0808 808 8141 (lines free and open Monday to Friday 9-5pm)
Age Concern www.ageconcern.org.uk Free phone information line 0800 00 99 66
National Domestic Violence Helpline www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.