Safeguarding at St Augustine’s

We take the care of children and vulnerable adults very seriously and work hard to ensure that we operate in line with current best practice, as recommended by the Diocese of London and the Church of England.

We believe the care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults who are involved in church activities is the responsibility of the whole Church. Everyone who participates in the life of the Church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.

The PCC of St Augustine’s adopts the Safeguarding Policy Statement of the Church of England that was agreed and published by the House of Bishops in 2017 as summarised in the Promoting a Safer Diocese policy document from the Diocese of London in November 2018. The policy makes six overarching policy commitments:

• 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.

If you have any questions or concerns related to safeguarding, do speak with Amy Smith, our safeguarding officer, either in person or via email through safeguarding@staugustineswembleypark.com

Amy Smith, Safeguarding Officer

Alternatively, you can make contact with the Diocese of London Safeguarding Team, for advice and guidance. They can be contacted via the Diocese of London Safeguarding Helpline: 020 7932 1224, asking for Angela Colman (the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor for Willesden Area) or the duty DSA.
Note: this phoneline is only monitored Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Concerns between 5pm and midnight Monday to Friday, or between 9am and midnight on weekends and bank holidays can be directed to Thirtyone:eight via their helpline: 0303 003 1111. option 2.

Thirtyone:eight is an independent charity which works in close partnership with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team (DST). The DST receives notification of any advice given by Thirtyone:eight.

If you have immediate concerns about someone’s safety, please contact the police or your local authority Children or Adult Social Care Services.