A young girl on a wooden bench holding a teddy bear
Teddy bear dressed in a knitted sweater and a scarf

Safeguarding Policy

Promoting a safer church

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our Church is committed to:

  • Promoting a safer environment and culture across all aspects of church life.

  • Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church. 

  • Responding promptly and fully to every safeguarding concern or allegation.

  • Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.

  • Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.

  • Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.

A copy of our full safeguarding policy is available at the link below. A hardcopy version can also be provided if requested.

If you have any concerns please contact one of our Parish Safeguarding Officers:

For children:  Helen Jackson (07471204221; helenj@woodchesterstmarys.org)

For adults:  Nick Ardagh-Walter (07484284261, nickaw@woodchesterstmarys.org)

Alternatively, you may wish to contact the diocesan safeguarding team  - The Diocesan Safguarding Advisor is Melanie Biscoe and can be contacted by phone at 01452 835516 (office hours) or 07944 680320 (out of office) or by email at safeguarding@glosdioc.org.uk. Or contact the National Safeguarding Team at gro.dnalgnefohcruhc@gnidraugefas.

If you would like to talk to an independent organisation please call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 or safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk.

Click on this link for a QUICK GUIDE to ‘Responding Promptly to Every Safeguarding Concern or Allegation’ - this document is aimed mainly at the CHURCH ministry team, PCC and Members of the Congregation.