St Mary's Harrow on the Hill

Safeguarding: promoting a safer church

Our parish policy statement on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

Every person has a value and dignity,  which comes directly from the creation of people in God’s image. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ.  Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

Here at St Mary's Harrow on the Hill we accept and endorse the principles set out in 'Safeguarding in the Diocese of London'. You can read the Diocese's full safeguarding policy here.

We commit ourselves to nurture, protect and safeguard all our members, particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church.

We undertake to exercise proper care in the selection, appointment, training and support of those working with children or vulnerable adults.

We will respond without delay to concerns or allegations that a child or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, cooperating fully in any investigation.

We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.

We will seek to offer pastoral care to anyone who has suffered abuse.

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We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.

Our safeguarding team are the first people to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or adult at risk.

In an emergency (especially if someone is in immediate danger of harm) you should always call 999 and ask for the police.