Safeguarding Policy

We are committed to safeguarding children, young people, victims of domestic abuse and adults at risk. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has adopted the Church of England’s policies and best practice on safeguarding which may be found on the Church of England’s website.

If you have a safeguarding concern please contact one of the following:

Our Parish Safeguarding Officer, Cheryl Bennett by email safeguarding@stmaryshornseyrise.org.uk. The Diocesan Safeguarding Officer for Stepney Jo Bingham call 020 7932 1224 or email safeguarding@london.anglican.org 

Our Church Wardens, Elaine Clarke and Joanna James on 020 79162710

Our Vicar, Rev Tamsin Merchant on 020 79162710

Other helpful telephone numbers are:

Diocese of London Safeguarding Helpline: 020 7932 1224

Childline: 0800 1111

Family Lives: 0808 800 2222

Project 31:8 Helpline: 0303 003 1111 

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

Formal statement adopted by the PCC

  • 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.

  • We accept and endorse the principles set out in ‘Safeguarding in the Diocese of London’.

  • 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 Disclosure and Barring Service.

  • 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 this Church agreed and adopted the above Policy at its meeting on 22/07/2024