The care, well being and safety of all people is of utmost importance to us. You can read our Parish Safeguarding Policy here.
We are part of the Diocese of Southwark. You can read about the diocesan policies, procedures and guidelines for safeguarding children and adults who may be vulnerable, in ‘A Safe Church’ – available here.
The Church of England’s Safeguarding Policy Statement is available to read here.
If you have a safeguarding concern that you would like to share, the details of what to do and who to contact are below.
What is ‘a safeguarding issue’?
Any of the following:
- A child discloses alleged abuse
- An adult discloses alleged abuse
- An adult or child discloses concern for another adult or child
- You notice signs of abuse of an adult or child
- There is an accident to a child or vulnerable adult in your care
- Behaviour is observed which poses risk to others or themselves
What should you do if there is a safeguarding issue?
In an emergency contact 999, then notify the Parish Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible after that. When the situation is not an emergency, contact the Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) or the Vicar, as soon as possible, to seek advice and guidance. They will then decide whether or not the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) needs to be contacted. If the allegation concerns the PSO or the Vicar, speak to a different member of the Safeguarding Team. What should you do after that? After that, make some simple, factual notes of what has taken place (what was said, what was observed, the key points). Keep the situation confidential, unless advised otherwise. If you need any support or advice for yourself, approach the Vicar or PSO for help.
Who should you talk to?
The following are the key contacts you will need:
Parish Safeguarding Officer:
Judy Douglas 07950993516
Vicar, Immanuel and St Andrew:
Sarah Simpson 07522995607
Southwark Diocese Safeguarding Team:
Pamela Chisholm, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
pamela.chisholm@southwark.anglican.org
020 7939 9423/07982 27971 (for urgent matters out of hours call 020 3874 6743)
Marie Daly, Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
marie.daly@southwark.anglican.org
020 7939 9441/07946 255295
Louise Vernon, Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
louise.vernon@southwark.anglican.org
0207 939 9462/07946 255622
Lambeth Council Service
Lambeth Social Services – reporting a concern regarding a child – 020 7926 5555
Other Resources
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
Childline: 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).