If you believe a child or vulnerable adult is at risk or has been harmed, act without delay.
For immediate danger, call the Police now.
For all other concerns, click here to find the right safeguarding contact.
What is Safeguarding?
As a society and especially as a church, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of all individuals, regardless of age or background. Safeguarding means protecting people’s physical and mental well-being, as well as their basic human rights. It involves creating a safe environment that is free from any form of harm, abuse, or neglect, whether it is intentional or not.
This includes protecting individuals from sexual abuse, physical mistreatment, neglect, mental manipulation, and spiritual harm. Overall, safeguarding seeks to promote a culture of safety and respect for all. In such a safe environment, individuals are empowered to live their lives to the fullest potential without fear of harm.
It’s fundamental to our mission: To love God with all our heart, mind and soul and to love our neighbour as ourselves (Matt 22.38-39). Your neighbour can be anyone. If we truly love them in the same way we know ourselves to be loved, we will do everything in our power to protect them from harm.
Be vigilant.
That means we all have to keep an eye out for signs that something isn’t right. We may feel that we are interfering and so may be reluctant to say anything. And indeed, there may be nothing wrong. But on the other hand, there might be something wrong, and you might hold the information that protects someone else from harm.
This is why if you suspect abuse is occurring, you should not tackle the person who might be harming someone (who will accuse you of interfering)- talk to a professional. Trained safeguarding officers are now very good at discovering when someone is at harm and helping in the situation. (They are also very good at discovering when someone is not at risk, in which case no action is taken.)
Safeguarding is about healthy relationships, and you are probably well attuned to spot when a relationship isn’t right. So, above all, remember that if something feels wrong, it probably is – talk to a trained person.
Safeguarding depends on the actions we all take, not just Clergy, PCC members, Safeguarding Officers, Pastoral Visitors or Young Church Leaders. It involves all of us to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and protect them from harm. It also protects the well-being of those who volunteer on behalf of the church.
What to do if you think something is wrong
If you are concerned that a child or vulnerable adult is at risk or has been harmed, or are concerned about the behaviour of someone towards children or vulnerable adults, contact one of these people below:
Diocesan Officer
Head of Safeguarding: Jez Hurst
01727 818107 or 07867 350 886
email safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org
If it is something that relates particularly to this church or community
Our Safeguarding Officers
Mrs Victoria Moir (07875 688182)
safeguarding@cnow.org.uk
or Mrs Sue Tyler (01767 627642)
The Vicar
Revd Chris Lowdon (01462 549028)
vicar@cnow.org.uk
If you have a safeguarding concern involving one of the Parish Safeguarding Officers, please speak with the Vicar or contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. If your concern relates to the Vicar, you should either contact one of the Safeguarding Officers or reach out directly to the Diocesan Team. Please be assured that your concern will be handled sensitively and will not be shared with the person involved.
If the danger is imminent, don’t wait – call the Police NOW – phone 999.
Please find below a link to the Diocese of St Albans Safeguarding page, where you will find more information:
https://www.stalbans.anglican.org/diocese/safeguarding
Each Parish of the Benefice has formally adopted a compliant Safeguarding Policy and Domestic Abuse Policy, which are implemented and reviewed annually. Revisions to these policies are also made when necessary to reflect the recommendations and advice of the House of Bishops. Copies of these policies can be downloaded below.
