Safeguarding
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How we protect and support children, young people, and vulnerable adults across our churches.
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Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
If you’re worried about someone’s safety, find out how to report your concerns clearly and confidentially.
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Safeguarding Training & Events
Stay up to date with training opportunities to help you and your church create a safer environment.
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Learn to recognise the signs of specific safeguarding issues, including different types of abuse, exploitation, and vulnerability.
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Understanding the signs of domestic abuse and how to respond.
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Information on how to recognise and report grooming and exploitation.
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Guidance on identifying and dealing with issues of financial abuse.
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Advice to follow in the event of honour-based abuse or forced marriage.
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Managing Risks & Safeguarding Agreements
The formal process for managing individuals who may pose a risk to others within the church community.
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Coping with the experience of losing someone important to us.
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Financial Hardship & Homelessness
Understanding vulnerability and finding sources of help.
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IICSA (Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse)
The findings from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
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Safeguarding Policies & Guidance
Essential policies and best practice guidance for keeping people safe in our churches.
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The official Safeguarding Policy for Children and Adults for the Thames North Synod.
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Guidance on the safeguarding responsibilities and duties of Elders as charity trustees.
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Safer Recruitment and Volunteers
The principles and procedures for ensuring only suitable people work with children and adults at risk.
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Best practices for safe online communication and ministry.
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Activities in Private Dwellings
Guidance on assessing and managing the unique risks of holding church activities in private homes.
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Safeguarding Resources & Forms
Download essential safeguarding forms, templates and printable materials for use in your church.
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Get in touch with our Safeguarding Officers for confidential advice, support, or reporting.
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Safeguarding Contacts
Get in touch with our Safeguarding Officers for confidential advice, support, or reporting.
Immediate Danger
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
If you are unable to speak, listen to the operator and respond by coughing or tapping the handset. If on a mobile, you can press 55 when prompted to be transferred to the police.
Thames North Synod Safeguarding Team
For all non-emergency safeguarding advice, to report a concern, or for support for your church, please contact our Lead Synod Safeguarding Officer.
Lead Synod Safeguarding Officer
Name: Belinda Herbert
Telephone: 07716 640 596
Email: [email protected]

Belinda Herbert
Synod Safeguarding Officer
Concerns or Complaints about Safeguarding
Should you have any concerns or a complaint about how a safeguarding matter has been handled within the Synod, please contact the Synod Moderator.
Synod Moderator
Name: Revd. George Watt
Telephone: 07596 954 503
Email: [email protected]
URC National Safeguarding Office
If you are unable to contact the Synod Safeguarding Officer, you can contact the URC's national team.
URC Safeguarding Office
Name: Sharon Barr
Telephone: 07776 178 246
Email: [email protected]
External Support Agencies
The following organisations provide specialist support and confidential advice.
Domestic Abuse
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24-hour, run by Refuge) | Website
- Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327 | Website
- Galop (LGBT+ Support): 0800 999 5428 | Website
- Karma Nirvana (Honour-Based Abuse): 0800 5999 247 | Website
Bereavement Support
- Cruse Bereavement Support: 0808 808 1677 | Website
- Samaritans: 116 123 (Free, 24/7) | Website
- Child Bereavement UK: 0800 028 8840 | Website
- At a Loss: UK's signposting site for the bereaved | Website
Child Protection
- NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 | Website
- Childline: 0800 1111 | Website
- CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection): Report online abuse directly to the police | Report Here