Our Safeguarding Policy

On 21 June 2023, the PCC adopted the London Diocese PCC Safeguarding Policy which sets out the following commitments:

  • 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 whom 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 Officer (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately;

  • offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse and 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; and

  • 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

Who to contact: Our parish Parish Safeguarding Officer is Mary Langford, and our Children’s Champion is Shakira Watts, each of whom can be contacted by calling our parish office on +44 (0)20 7262 1732. Alternatively our PSO can be contacted via email:
safeguarding@stjohns-hydepark.com

The Diocese of London Safeguarding Team can be contacted on +44 (0)20 7932 1224.

Useful to know: If you are worried about a child, you can also contact Westminster Social Services by calling the Children's Services Team on +44 (0)20 7641 4000 (which is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays), or, outside of these times, the Emergency Duty Team on + 44 (0)20 7641 2388.