Safeguarding

Safeguarding

The parish of Herne Hill takes the safeguarding and care of children and vulnerable adults very seriously. Our safeguarding policy is below:

What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding is the care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in Church activities. 

Safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole Church. Everyone who participates in the life of the Church has a role to play in promoting a safer Church for all.

We follow procedures to make sure every child, young person and adult (including the volunteers) is as safe from harm as possible when engaging in activities provided by the Parish of Herne Hill.

Find out more about what you can do to help us be a Safer Church here:

How to raise a concern

  • Concerns, suspicions or uneasiness about practice or behaviour of an individual should be voiced as soon as possible.
  • Be specific about what practice is concerning, what has been heard or what has been observed.
  • Inform the Incumbent, Churchwarden or PSO, or the Diocesan Safeguarding Team (DST) if you feel unable to raise the concern locally.
  • If the concern is about a member of the clergy, contact the Archdeacon or the DSA.
  • Ideally put concerns in writing, outlining the background and history, and providing dates and times.
  • Provide as many facts as possible; do not rely on rumour or opinion.
  • You are encouraged to put your name to any disclosure; however, any concern raised anonymously should be considered, taking into account the seriousness of the issue raised, the credibility of the concern and the likelihood of confirming the allegation from attributable sources.

Our Parish Safeguarding Officers

We take the safeguarding and care of children and vulnerable adults very seriously at Herne Hill. Our Parish Safeguarding Officers can be contacted via below contact details.

Parish Safeguarding Officers

Lucy Williams

Lucy Williams

St Paul's Safeguarding Officer

07762 020640

Jennie Brindley

Jennie Brindley

St Saviour's Safeguarding Officer

07713 541522


If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm, contact one of our Parish Safeguarding Officers above or the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser on 020 7939 9423 (office hours) or 020 3874 6743 (out of hours). If you have immediate concerns about someone’s safety, please contact the police and your local authority Children’s or Adult Social Care Services.

Need help?

Here are some information about where to get help with child and adult safeguarding issues.

Further information can also be found on the Church of England Safeguarding page

Accessing support in the Church of England

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours).
Phone if you are worried about a child.

Child-line: 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.

Refuge:
Get help if suffering from abuse or violence.

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 9-5pm).

The Respect Phoneline provides confidential advice and support to help perpetrators stop being violent and abusive, and is free to call 0808 8024040.

Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
A confidential helpline for male victims of domestic violence and those supporting them.
www.mensadviceline.org.uk

Karma Nirvana: 0800 5999 247 Mon to Fri 9am–5pm
Supporting victims of honour based abuse and forced marriage.
www.karmanirvana.org.uk

Hour Glass: 0808 808 8141
Challenging the abuse of older people in all its forms.
www.wearehourglass.org

Galop LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428, www.galop.org.uk


Diocesan Safeguarding Team

Please visit the Diocesan Safeguarding page for up to date contact details of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team


Complaints, Grievances and Disciplinary Procedures

Read more about A Safe Church

safeguarding  - Church of England Statement.