Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at St Mary’s. We want everyone, both adults and children, to feel happy and safe as they participate in the life of the church.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, but it is overseen here by:

Rev.  Andrew Downes contactable on 01932 779431 or  [email protected]

Catherine Wood KC , Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) contactable on 01932 779431 or [email protected]  

London Diocese Safeguarding Team contactable on 0207 931224 or [email protected]

Safeguarding matters will be forwarded to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team (or the police if immediate action is required) and we will follow the advice given.

Church of England and London Diocese Safeguarding Policy

The Church of England safeguarding responsibilities for parishes are outlined in the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance. We adhere to the London Diocese Safeguarding Policy which incorporates the House of Bishop’s Safeguarding Policy and Guidance which can be found in the safeguarding e-manual.

We have adopted the Church of England’s House of Bishops’ Promoting a Safer Church Safeguarding Policy which can be found by clicking here and our PCC Statement, adopting the policy can be found here PCC SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

If you are concerned that a child or an adult is, or maybe, at risk of abuse this should be reported immediately (and certainly within 24 hours) to the Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) or the Clergy listed above. 

If it is a non-emergency situation you can report this either in person to the PSO or by telephone, and they will then contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer and ensure that we respond appropriately.  We will do everything we can to support the person at risk. 

If it is an Emergency situation, and you believe the child or adult is in immediate danger of significant harm, then you should call 999 before reporting it to one of the Safeguarding Officers.