Safeguarding

We are committed to offering a sincere welcome within a safe environment for all who belong and worship here. Our aim is that together we grow in our knowledge, service and likeness of the God who in Jesus, sacrificed Himself to save the world.

Ensuring a safe environment means that we pay particular attention and take special measures to protect those who are particularly vulnerable such as Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults. We have policies for each of these groups, take the safety of everyone very seriously and expect that everyone will work within the church's safeguarding policy.

Though particular people bear formal responsibility for Safeguarding, each of us also shares a common and general responsibility for ensuring that we maintain a safe environment.

Formal Responsibility

Our Vicar, the Reverend Matthew Tomlinson, holds formal responsibility for Safeguarding at St. Augustine's. He can be contacted on 07989 915499 or at .

This is exercised through our Parish Safeguarding Officer - Paul Geddes, who liaises with the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor and Statutory authorities as appropriate. You can contact Paul on 07980 204793 or at .

Alternatively contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser at or on 07342 993844.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) have a duty of care for the protection of the vulnerable by ensuring that Safeguarding processes and actions are in accordance with the published policies. Safeguarding is an agenda item at every PCC meeting. Our Churchwardens can also contacted relating to Safeguarding matters: Stephen Hartland (07793 007006, ) and Cynthia Slater (07512 784127, ).

The Leaders of each Ministry Area are responsible - with advice and input from the Parish Safeguarding Officer - that all activities they are leading are undertaken safely and in accordance with the church's Safeguarding policies. Safeguarding concerns and incidents are to be raised with the PSO and the Vicar as appropriate.

Volunteers and assistant leaders in each ministry area are responsible for providing information so that the PSO can obtain a DBS (Disclosure and Barring) Certificate prior to their taking up their role. They are also required to attend Safeguarding Training at a minimum every 3 years, to report any safeguarding concerns or incidents to the ministry lead and/or to the PSO and to maintain a safe setting for their work under the leadership and direction of the ministry leader.

Everyone's Responsibility

Although we have put robust safeguarding policies with specified responsibilities and procedures in place, everyone at St Augustine's has a part to play in keeping one another safe and protecting others from harm and accidents.

Firstly, that means that we are mindful of the possible effect on others of our actions, behaviour or words. What we intend for good or may seem innocuous to us, may be interpreted or received differently by others. Developing a sensitivity to others in this way is a value we want to encourage.

Secondly, if we see or hear something that causes us safeguarding concern, either for ourselves or for others, then we have a responsibility to raise that and to seek clarification or advice or, if necessary, for others to take action. Here's how you do this and who you should go to: