Safeguarding Concerns

Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. This implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

At St Mary le Strand we are committed to ensuring that our church is a safe place for everyone. We take the safeguarding and care of children, young people and vulnerable adults very seriously. We are committed to maintaining the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy, Promoting a Safer Church.

• We commit ourselves to nurture, protect and safeguard all our members, particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults.  
• We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church community.
• We undertake to exercise proper care in the selection, appointment, training and support of those working in both paid and voluntary positions with children or vulnerable adults, including the use of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosures and making appropriate referrals to the Independent Safeguarding Authority.
• We will respond without delay to concerns or allegations that a child or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and social care services in any investigation.
• We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.
• We will seek to offer pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them appropriate pastoral support.
• We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.

The PCC of St Mary le Strand adopted the above policy on July 2nd 2019.

The Parish Policy Statement and Procedures on Safeguarding are published with the diocesan policy statement on the church notice board. Copies can be obtained from the church office via office@stmarylestrand.com