A Safer Church

Child Protection, Vulnerable Adult Protection and Domestic Abuse are all referred to on this page. Information about Data Protection and Privacy will be found through the link above.

Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinators

Gay Adam (children) 01622 831673 email: here  

Gay Adam PSO

Janice Collins (adults) 01622 831849 email: here

Jan Collins PSO

Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers:

To view the  Diocesan Safeguarding page click here
Diocesan Safeguarding Office (DBS) 01227 459401 email: here
Fiona Coombs (07548 232395 email: here
Paul Brightwell (01732 384734/07398 009951) email: here

Other contact telephone numbers:

Police  101 (24 hrs)
Kent Social Services - out of hours: 03000 41 91 / 03000 41 41 41
Children's Social Services: 03000 41 11 11
Children & Families Information Service; -3000 41 23 23
Adult Social Services and Health: 03000 41 61 61
Stop it Now Helpline: 0808 1000 900
Childline: 0800 11 11
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0844 804 4999

Guidelines from The Diocese of Canterbury

It is everyone's responsibility to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults.

The main forms of abuse to recognize are:

  • Physical: bruises, cuts, bites, fractures, etc which do not have an explanation
  • Emotional: changes in mood or behaviour, withdrawn or clingy. Depression, aggression or extreme anxiety, nervous, low self esteem
  • Neglect: under nourishment, failure to grow, constant hunger, inadequate care, dirty, inappropriate clothing, unkempt
  • Sexual: knowledge of adult sexual behaviour - words/drawings. Sexually provocative, sexual infections
  • Discriminatory: racist, sexist, based on a person's disability
  • Spiritual: using faith, spirituality, trust to manipulate and control people
  • Financial: money, possessions disappearing, no money for essentials, jewellery, valuables missing
  • Institutional: care home etc.
  • Grooming: of individuals, family, church.

We may become aware of abuse or concerns about someone's behaviour in a number of ways.

  • A disclosure from a person who is or has experienced abuse
  • An allegation about someone's conduct; 
  • A concern about someone's behaviour

All must be taken seriously and acted on.

Don't...

  • Promise to keep a secret, or confidentiality; say you may need to share this.
  • Attempt to investigate yourself
  • Discuss the case with anyone else
  • Speak to the accused
  • Ignore it

If a person discloses something to you ...

Do...

  • Assure them they are not to blame for what happened
  • Reassure the person they have done the right thing by telling you
  • React calmly, be aware of non-verbal messages and body language
  • Listen, do not ask leading questions or investigate. Avoid making comments or judgements.
  • Tell them what you are going to do and that they will be told what is happening at each stage
  • Refer as soon as possible to the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
  • Find support for yourself

Record...

  • Make full notes of what you are told - including names, the person making the disclosure/referall and date and time. Date and sign your notes.
  • Use the words the child/adult used - do not 'translate' into proper names etc. As far as possible use the exact words used in the disclosure.
  • If someone else is making an allegation or raising a concern you will need to include their contact details.
  • The original document should be kept safely and a copy forwarded to the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser. If you type up the notes, keep your handwritten notes.

What to record...

  • Who was involved - names of key people
  • What happened - facts not opinions
  • Where it happened
  • When it happened - date and time
  • Why it happened
  • Whom it was referred to
  • How it happened

Refer...

You are not expected to be an expert in these areas so refer on.

ALL ALLEGATIONS AND DISCLOSURES MUST BE REFERRED TO THE DIOCESAN SAFEGUARDING ADVISERS

If you believe a person is at immediate risk of harm when they leave you, make a referral directly to the appropriate agency - Police or Social Services.

All disclosures, allegations, concerns should be referred initially to the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers who will inform other appropriate people such as the bishop, vice-dean (safeguarding) etc.

No concern is too small - all disclosures, issues or concerns seen or that you are made aware of must be acted on as soon as possible. Do not investigate yourself.

Visit the Church of England website here

You can read our Parish Safeguarding Policy Statement here:   

Safeguarding policy