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 ensuring the safety and protection of the young and vulnerable people of our parish. This is of paramount importance to us.
Click here for the House of Bishops' Parish Safeguarding Handbook.
Also, please scroll down to see our Safeguarding Policy which has been discussed and approved by the PCC and signed by the Vicar and Churchwardens.​ There is some useful contact information below our policy.
SAFEGUARDING
OUR SAFEGUARDING POLICY
PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH
The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 15th May 2024
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:
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Promoting a safer environment and culture.
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Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
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Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
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Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
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Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
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Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
The Parish will:
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Create a safe and caring place for all.
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Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
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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.
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Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
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Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
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Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
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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.
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Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
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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.
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Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
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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.
This church appoints Mrs Hazel Adams as the Parish Safeguarding Officer.
Incumbent: Fr. Colin J. Amos
Churchwardens: Christopher Rocha Moraes and Abi Allison
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Date: 15th May 2024
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USEFUL CONTACT INFORMATION
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The contact details below are agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services. If you are concerned about a child or vulnerable adult please don’t hesitate to call:​
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Westminster City Council: 020 7641 4000 or Safeguarding Adults Westminster 0207 641 2176
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Brent: 020 8937 4300 (option 1) or out of office hours 020 8863 5250
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Camden: 0207 974 3317 or out of office hours 0207 974 444 (option 1)
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London Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers 020 7932 1224
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NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
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Childline: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
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National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 200 0247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
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Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
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Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 0808 808 8141 ( free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).
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NAPAC: offers support and advice for adult survivors of sexual abuse 0808 801 0331
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.
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For any other assistance Hazel Adams, the Parish Safegaurding Officer, may be reached at safeguarding@staugustine.london or you may contact the parish at 0207 624 1637.
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