Safeguarding

St Mary’s Hanwell takes seriously the well-being of every person in our church community and values each equally.

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.

In accordance with the House of Bishops’ Policy Statements ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ (2017) and ‘Protecting All God’s Children’ (2010) and the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy ‘Promoting a Safer Diocese’ (2018) our church is committed to:

• Promoting a safer environment and culture.
• Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
• Responding promptly 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.
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  The Parish will: 
• Create a safe and caring place for all.
• Have a named Church Safeguarding Officer (CSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
• Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
• Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
• Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
• Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
• Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.
• Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
• Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
• Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
• Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually

The PCC of this Church reviewed, agreed and adopted the above policy in June 2024, and is reviewed annually. A full copy of the Diocese of London’s Safeguarding Policy can be found here https://www.london.anglican.org/support/safeguarding/safeguarding-policy

Our Church Safeguarding Officer (CSO) is MARIA BARNES who can be contacted on 07956 915726 or via email mimikara74@aol.com and is the first person to contact if you have concerns about any individual.

You can also contact our clergy

Rector: Rev Andrew Dand andrew@stmaryshanwell.org.uk

Associate Vicar: Rev Susy Dand susy@stmaryshanwell.org.uk 

The Diocese Safeguarding team can be contacted here: https://www.london.anglican.org/support/safeguarding