St Mark’s Teddington is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and to creating a safe place for everyone to worship and grow in Christ. Concerns about children, young people and vulnerable adults will be diligently and promptly responded to according to our procedures, recognising the sensitivity it may hold for those involved. 

THE PARISH OF ST Mark, Teddington

SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 06/06/2024. 

In accordance with the House of Bishops’ Policy Statements ‘Promoting a SaferChurch’ (2017) and ‘Protecting All God’s Children’ (2010) and the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy ‘Promoting a Safer Diocese’ (2018) 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 that may pose a present risk to others.

The Parish will:  

  • 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 who 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 Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.

  • Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, 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. 

  • 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.

Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

This church appoints Rachel Bide as Church Safeguarding Office for St Mark, Teddington (CSO).

Sally Maxwell will act as Children’s Champion.

Incumbent: Rev Jerry Field | Minister in Charge: Rev Tom Simpson

Churchwardens: Rachel Bide and Sally Maxwell

Church Safeguarding Officer

Our Safeguarding Officer is the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or adult at risk. This can include any minor, low-level concerns that you might have.

Safeguarding Officer: Rachel Bide

Her contact details are:

07929 279931 // 020 8977 4442

If you would prefer to talk to someone outside the church: 

Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: 020 7932 1224

Samaritans: 116 123

Family Lives: 0808 800 2222

Local authority children protection team: 020 8547 5008

National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247