Safeguarding

PARISH OF ST MICHAEL’S BETCHWORTH
Safeguarding Policy – Promoting a Safer Church

On 20th March 2023 the Parochial Church Council adopted the following Safeguarding Policy.

“In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy, our church is committed to:

  • promoting a safer environment and culture
  • safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church
  • responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
  • caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons
  • caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons
  • responding to those who may pose a present risk to others. […]”

READ THE FULL POLICY HERE

St Michael’s Parish Policy for Responding to Domestic Abuse – READ THE FULL POLICY HERE.

We take the safeguarding and care of children and vulnerable adults very seriously at St Michael’s.
Our key contacts are:
The Parish Safeguarding Officer for St Michael’s:
Mrs Margaret Miller – 01737 842098
Churchwardens:
Mrs Linda Slater – 01737 844632
Mr Bernard Hawkins – 01737 853153
Rector:
Vacancy
READ THE FULL ROLE DESCRIPTION FOR THE PARISH SAFEGUARDING OFFICER HERE.

READ THE ST MICHAEL’S BETCHWORTH PCC SAFEGUARDING DELEGATION SCHEME HERE.

Essential Helpline Links:

  • NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours).Phone if you are worried about a child.
  • Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours).
    Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
  • National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours).
    Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
  • Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours).
    Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
  • Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9am-5pm).

Diocese of Southwark – Safeguarding contacts:

  • For safeguarding concerns out of office hours, please call the Duty Direct Line 0203 874 6743

To access the Southwark Diocese manual of Safeguarding Policies and Procedures A Safe Church CLICK HERE.

Page updated 18/7/2019