SAFEGUARDING

 

At St Christopher’s Church, we’re committed to creating a safe, supportive space where everyone — especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults — can grow in faith, feel secure, and be treated with dignity and respect.

We have adopted the House of Bishops Safeguarding Policy Statement and follow the safeguarding guidance of the Church of England and the Diocese of Guildford.

View the national policy online: Church of England Safeguarding Policies

If you are concerned about someone’s safety

Please speak to our Parish Safeguarding Officer, Julia Bowden. If Julia is unavailable, you can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team directly.

 

For out-of-hours help and more information, visit the Diocese of Guildford Safeguarding page

If someone is in immediate danger, please call 999.

Our Commitment

  • We review and agree our Parish Safeguarding Policy annually

  • We display the latest policy in church and submit copies to the Diocese

  • We follow safer recruitment practices including DBS checks and references

  • We offer regular safeguarding training for staff and volunteers

Who’s Covered

All children’s and youth activities, as well as groups involving vulnerable adults, fall under our safeguarding procedures. This includes:

  • Together@Ten

  • Messy Church

  • Children and Holy Communion

  • Youth groups and events

  • Residentials, trips, and away days

  • Pastoral Care visiting

  • Home Communion

  • Gibson Court Service

  • House Groups and Hinchley Wood Fellowship

  • Tea & Hymns

Safeguarding for Church Hall Hirers

If you hire our church spaces and your activities involve children or vulnerable adults, you’ll need to:

  • Sign a safeguarding agreement

  • Confirm you follow either our safeguarding policy or your own

Helpful Resources

If you have any questions about safeguarding or want to know more about how we keep our community safe, please get in touch with Julia or the church office.