St Luke's Church Kew
Where all God’s children are welcome
Safeguarding
We take the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults very seriously at St Luke's. We follow Diocesan policies, procedures and guidelines which are detailed in the manual, "A Safe Church" and have appointed safeguarding officers for children and vulnerable adults.
​
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 on Monday 24 June 2024.
​
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. The next review will take place in July 2024.
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
Church Wardens
Laura Coughtrie
Elizabeth Tippett
(Deputy) Frankie Pinner
​
​
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 eg 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.
​
Kew Police Safer Neighbourhoods Team
020 8247 8320
Emergency
always dial 999
(textphone 1800)
Non-emergency
dial 101
(textphone 18001 101)
Diocesan Safeguarding Team
Pamela Chisholm
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
Marie Daly
Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
Louise Vernon
Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
For urgent matters and out of hours call 020 3874 6743
National Helplines
NSPCC
0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Childline
0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
Age UK
0800 678 1602 (lines free and open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year). Phone for confidential help and advice on all aspects of later life.
Samaritans
116 123 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.