St Stephen’s takes issues of safeguarding very seriously and you can find help and advice below.
The care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in our church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of St Stephen’s.
Are you a survivor or victim of church related abuse? Could you help the Diocese of Guildford to learn from the past and protect the future?
The Diocese of Guildford is currently reviewing all its records, across all 162 parishes, to ensure that all safeguarding concerns and allegations have been identified, reported, and appropriately actioned. Critical to this, is the voice of survivors and victims. The Diocese of Guildford wants to listen to and to learn from your experiences and ensure that your voices are heard throughout this review process.
Coming forward
Anybody who would like to give information or make disclosures about church-related abuse is asked to contact Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, Jackie Broadfoot (jackie.broadfoot@cofeguildford.org.uk 07918 559387).
Support is available
The Diocese recognises that coming forward may be extremely difficult and dedicated support has been set up for you. Two confidential listening services have been set up, for those people who have experienced church related abuse but who might want to talk through their experiences and feelings before taking any next step. To find out more about the support available click here.
Building the safest community we can
Bishop Andrew, Diocesan Bishop for the Diocese of Guildford explains why we are doing this: “It is important we do everything we can to make our churches the safest places they can be. Safe means different things to different people but this review will help us to ensure that the concerns reported to our churches have been dealt with properly, and the care taken and the support given is of the high quality that people rightly deserve. We have learnt from a previous review that that survivors and victims’ voices are critical, and I would urge you to come forward.”
St Stephen’s Safeguarding Policy
At the PCC meeting held on 10 July 2023 the PCC of St Stephen’s Church Shottermill adopted the Church Of England “Promoting a Safer Church” Policy Statement, national policies and Practice Guidance of the House of Bishops and supporting diocesan safeguarding protocols.
“Promoting a Safer Church” sets out the Church of England’s commitment to making the church a safer place for all.
The Policies and Practice Guidance applies to all Church bodies and officers and under new legislation all authorised clergy, bishops, archdeacons licensed readers and lay workers, church wardens and PCCs must have due regard to safeguarding guidance issued by the House of Bishops.
Guildford Diocese Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guide
Church of England Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guide
St Stephen’s Safeguarding Officer
Donna Rigby
Tel: 07394 309265
Email: safeguarding@shottermillparish.org.uk
The Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor is:
Jackie Broadfoot
Tel: 07918 559387
Email: jackie.broadfoot@cofeguildford.org.uk
If you, or someone you are concerned about is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from St Stephen’s Safeguarding Officer or the Diocesan Safeguarding Representative using the contact details above.
If you need advice or to report a concern outside normal office hours, please ring Surrey Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
0300 470 9100 Out of Hours Service 01483 517 898
If you are concerned that a child or vulnerable adult may be at immediate risk, contact the police on 999.