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:

Respond promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
Care pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons
Care pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and others affected persons
Respond to those that may pose a present risk to others
Promote a safer environment and culture
Safely recruit and support all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the Church

The Parish will:

Create a safe and caring place for all.
Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) 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
Discuss Safeguarding at every PCC meeting

Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

The PCC of this Church reviewed, agreed and adopted the above policy in June 2025, and is reviewed annually. A full copy of the Diocese of London’s Safeguarding Policy can be found by clicking here

Our Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) is RACHEL NEWITT who can be contacted via safeguarding@stmaryshanwell.org.uk 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

Curate: Rev Stephanie Alvis stephanie@stamryshanwell.org.uk

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

PTO Minister Rev Helen Cosstick helen.cosstick@btinternet.com

The Diocese Safeguarding team can be contacted by clicking here or calling 020 7932 1224

Further advice and support may be sought from the following National helplines:

NSPCC – 0808 800 5000
Childline – 0800 1111
Stop it Now – 0808 1000 900
NAPAC – 0808 801 0331
Samaritans – 116 123
Family Lives – 0808 800 2222
National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247
Action on Elder Abuse – 0808 808 8141

Call 999 if a child or adult is in immediate danger of significant or serious harm