Safeguarding

The Barn Church is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and if at any time, you see or hear anything that could suggest a safeguarding risk, please follow procedure below.  We follow Diocesan policies, procedures and guidelines which are detailed in the manual, ‘A Safe Church’ 

 A copy of our Safeguarding Policy is available just inside the church.

PCC Safeguarding Policy Statement

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held in June 2023

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to: 

  • 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.

The Parish will:  

  • Create a safe and caring place for all.
  • Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) for children and young people and a separate PSO for vulnerable adults, 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. 

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

Parish Safeguarding Officers

Clare Vollum (vulnerable adults)
Ellie Foulis-Brown (children) 

Contact: safeguarding.thebarnchurch@kewbenefice.org

Church Wardens

Judi Braddock

Diocesan Safeguarding Team 

Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Pamela Chisholm
pamela.chisholm@southwark.anglican.org;020 7939 9423 (landline); 07982 279713 (mobile)

Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Marie Daly
marie.daly@southwark.anglican.org; 020 7939 9441 (landline); 07946 255295 (mobile)

Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Louise Vernon
louise.vernon@southwark.anglican.org; 020 7939 9462 (landline); 07946 255622 (mobile)

Who will you talk to if you observe or are told about child or adult protection concerns?

Is the child or adult safe?​

If in immediate danger, take emergency steps, e.g. contact ambulance, police or adults’ services.

Most situations are not emergencies – seek advice before action: contact the Parish Safeguarding Officers who will contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.

Other Available Support

Emergency – always dial 999 (textphone 1800)

Police Kew Safer Neighbourhood Team: 0208 247 8320

Non-emergency – dial 101 (textphone 18001 101)

NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000

Childline www.childline.org.uk 0800 1111

Action on Elder Abuse www.elderabuse.org.uk 0808 808 8141

Age Concern www.ageconcern.org.uk Free phone information line 0800 00 99 66

Samaritans www.samaritans.org.uk 08457 90 90 90