St Paul's Crofton Policies

Safeguarding

The Church of England is committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within our church communities. Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. This implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

St Paul’s Church Crofton seeks to provide effective safeguarding training, support, advice and policies, so that children, young people and vulnerable adults are safe from abuse and harm in the life of the Church and their wellbeing are enhanced. We aim to comply with all relevant legislation and Best Practice guidelines; which will include a thorough checking process, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and safer recruitment procedures for all volunteers and staff who work closely with children, young people and vulnerable adults.

If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused or presents a risk to others, you should ring the Police on 999 without delay.

If you have any worries or concerns about yourself or another person that may be being harmed or is at risk of harm, we will do our best to help you.

Please contact our Church Safeguarding Advisor on 01689 850697 or email safeguarding@stpaulscrofton.org.uk. This email address is monitored daily by more than one person. Please use it wherever possible as it is the best way to ensure your concerns receive a quick response. St Paul’s Crofton Safeguarding Officers are Annie Harrington and Vanessa Lake.

Our staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities regarding safeguarding
Social services in each local authority can also be contacted to advise on a safeguarding concern

The National Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children operates two 24-hour helplines

Help for children and young people - Childline 0800 1111
Help for adults concerned about a child - 0808 800 5000
For victims of domestic abuse National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247

To further help or aid you, the House of Bishops, Rochester Dioceses and the Church of England safeguarding practice website details have been included below.