Safeguarding
-
How we protect and support children, young people, and vulnerable adults across our churches.
-
Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
If you’re worried about someone’s safety, find out how to report your concerns clearly and confidentially.
-
Safeguarding Training & Events
Stay up to date with training opportunities to help you and your church create a safer environment.
-
Learn to recognise the signs of specific safeguarding issues, including different types of abuse, exploitation, and vulnerability.
-
Understanding the signs of domestic abuse and how to respond.
-
Information on how to recognise and report grooming and exploitation.
-
Guidance on identifying and dealing with issues of financial abuse.
-
Advice to follow in the event of honour-based abuse or forced marriage.
-
Managing Risks & Safeguarding Agreements
The formal process for managing individuals who may pose a risk to others within the church community.
-
Coping with the experience of losing someone important to us.
-
Financial Hardship & Homelessness
Understanding vulnerability and finding sources of help.
-
IICSA (Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse)
The findings from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
-
-
Safeguarding Policies & Guidance
Essential policies and best practice guidance for keeping people safe in our churches.
-
The official Safeguarding Policy for Children and Adults for the Thames North Synod.
-
Guidance on the safeguarding responsibilities and duties of Elders as charity trustees.
-
Safer Recruitment and Volunteers
The principles and procedures for ensuring only suitable people work with children and adults at risk.
-
Best practices for safe online communication and ministry.
-
Activities in Private Dwellings
Guidance on assessing and managing the unique risks of holding church activities in private homes.
-
-
Safeguarding Resources & Forms
Download essential safeguarding forms, templates and printable materials for use in your church.
-
Get in touch with our Safeguarding Officers for confidential advice, support, or reporting.
-
Financial Hardship & Homelessness
Understanding vulnerability and finding sources of help.
Financial hardship and homelessness can create significant vulnerabilities that can lead to safeguarding risks. While not safeguarding issues in themselves, it is important for our church communities to know where to find support for those in need. You can help by:
- Mapping out food banks and points of contact in your area to be shared with those who need them.
- Encouraging parents of school age children to continue to claim their free school meals where this applies.
- Sharing information on local support services with those who may have limited access to technology.
Useful Website Resources:
- StepChange Debt Charity: Emergency Funding Information
- Citizens Advice: Help with the Cost of Living
- StreetLink: For reporting a rough sleeper in need of support in England and Wales. streetlink.org.uk
- The Trussell Trust: Find a local food bank. trusselltrust.org