Safe Guarding Policy

Promoting a safer church
The care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of the Church.

House of Bishops Safeguarding Policy for children, young people & adults

Our commitments
• Promoting a safer environment and culture
• Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults
• Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
• Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse or other affected persons
• Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns/allegations of abuse and other affected persons
• Responding to those that may pose a present risk.

IF YOU ARE CONCERNED that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from St Mary’s Parish Safeguarding Officer or if necessary report the matter to the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, Local Authority Social Care Services or the Police without delay.

Our Contact details:

  • Name: Mrs Joanne Webb
    Role: Parish Safeguarding Officer 
    Tel: 07944 389764
    Email: jo4ae@aol.com

Diocesan Contact details:

Local Authority Safeguarding Contact details:

Children and Young People — Central Bedfordshire Council

  • Telephone: 0300 300 8585 (Monday–Friday, office hours)
  • Out of hours: 0300 300 8123

Adults at Risk — Central Bedfordshire Council

  • Telephone: 0300 300 8122 (Monday–Friday, office hours)
  • Out of hours: 0300 300 8123

IF THERE IS ANY IMMEDIATE RISK OF DANGER PLEASE CONTACT THE POLICE ON EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING: EMERGENCY 999  or NON-EMERGENCY 101


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: 080 8808 8141