Safeguarding

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:4

We believe that:

• children, young people and adults should never experience abuse of any kind
• we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them

We recognise that:

• the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take
• all children, young people and adults at risk regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse
• some children, young people and adults at risk are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues
• working in partnership with children, young people and adults at risk, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting their welfare

We will seek to keep children, young people, and adults at risk safe by:

• valuing, listening to and respecting them
• appointing a nominated Safeguarding Lead
• adopting child and adult protection and safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and code of conduct for staff and volunteers
• recruiting and selecting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made
• recording, storing and using information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance
• sharing information about safeguarding and good practice with children and their families via our website, posters, group work and one-to-one discussions
• making sure that children, young people and adults at risk, and their families, know where to go for help if they have a concern

If you are concerned that someone connected to our church is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from the contacts given below, or if the matter is urgent and you believe someone is at immediate risk of harm, please report the matter to the Local Authority Social Services or the Police without delay.

Local contacts available to speak to if you have any concerns:

Marion Layberry OBE (Benefice Safeguarding Lead)
01959 532240
marion.layberry@gmail.com

Rev’d Tim Edwards (Rector)
01959 532133
rev.tim.edwards@gmail.com

Caroline Smith (Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser)
07768 036590
caroline.smith@rochester.anglican.org

Local Authority Social Services (Kent)
Adult: 03000 41 61 61 | Child: 03000 41 11 11

If there is an immediate risk or danger, please contact the police on 999.