Safeguarding

What is safeguarding?

Fundamentally ‘safeguarding’ means looking after each other, especially the more vulnerable members of our community. The vast majority of ‘doing safeguarding’ is common sense, and simply caring for others.

Who is responsible for safeguarding?

We are all responsible for safeguarding - you may well be the only person to recognise a concern, so your role is vitally important. However as a church we also have a ‘Parish Safeguarding Officer’ (John Winterburn) who oversees all things safeguarding related, and two children’s champions (Roseanna Shefford & Mark Williams) whose role is to promote the needs and wellbeing of children at ASH.

What should I do if I have a concern?

The first port of call is to let John know. You can do that by simply filling in this form or by using the contact details below. If you’re ever unsure if something is worth reporting, the advice is always to report it. The minor thing you observe may play into a bigger jigsaw of concerns.

Please note, if your concern is about John or a member of paid staff, please contact Donna in the first instance. If you concern is about Donna or another clergy person please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (details below).

How can I find out more?

The best place to look is our church Safeguarding Policy. This is a comprehensive guide to all things safeguarding at ASH. Alternative drop John an email using the details below.

Important contact details

John Winterburn, Parish Safeguarding Officer
safeguarding@allsaintshampton.co.uk
07816 855941

Donna Williams, Vicar
vicar@allsaintshampton.co.uk
07778 675164

Caryn Weber, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
caryn.weber@london.anglican.org
020 3837 5092

ThirtyOne:Eight helpline (for out of hours)
0303 003 1111

National Domestic Violence Helpline
0808 2000 247

Childline
0800 1111

Safeguarding Policy Statement

In accordance with the House of Bishops’ Policy Statements ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ (2017) and ‘Protecting All God’s Children’ 4th edition (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 the policy and the guidelines established by this church.

This church appoints Richard Ennals as the Church Safeguarding Officer. 

Incumbent: Revd Donna Williams

Churchwardens : Paula Williams & Julie Ford

Date: 18th July 2022