‘Safeguarding’ means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture and environment for all. In particular, both our churches are committed to safeguarding our children, young people and vulnerable adults to protect and keep them safe from harm.
Why do we need Safeguarding?
Unfortunately in any community, there are some individuals who present a risk to others and this also holds true for churches; we recognise that there have been serious failings in some places of worship in the past. By putting in place robust procedures, the Church of England is seeking to ensure that this type of abuse does not happen again.
The full Diocesan Safeguarding Policy, Promoting a Safer Church, may be found here.
Our Parish Safeguarding Policies can be found at the following links:
Mary Field-Smith is our Children’s Advocate and responsible for safeguarding the welfare and safety of children within the parish setting. Mary ensures that the Diocesan Child Protection Guidelines are implemented and speaks up for children and young people and their needs in our church. She also makes sure that everyone involved with children and young people are aware of child protection issues and the Diocesan Child Protection guidelines.
‘Safe care’ practices
We are committed to ‘Safe Care’ practices and Mary is responsible for the process that minimizes the possibility of appointing inappropriate adults to work with children and young people. Mary can be contacted at safeguarding@stmarywithstalban.org.
Please download our Child Protection Policy here.
The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in church activities, is the responsibility of the whole church community. Everyone should feel able to challenge or come forward if something appears to be wrong.
Anyone who has a concern should report it by speaking to a member of the clergy or by contacting our designated Safeguarding Officer:
Mary Field Smith
Email: safeguarding@teddingtonparish.org
If you prefer to talk to someone outside of the church:
