Safeguarding & Inclusion
Call 999 if a child or adult is in immediate danger of significant or serious harm
We are committed to safeguarding children, young people, victims of domestic abuse and Adults with Safeguarding Needs.
At the PCC meeting held on 7 June 2025 the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St John the Baptist Church, Windlesham adopted the Church of England Promoting a Safer Church Policy Statement, House of Bishop’s Practice Guidance and supporting diocesan safeguarding protocols.
“Promoting a Safer Church” sets out the Church of England’s commitment to making the church a safer and inclusive place for all.
The Policies and Practice Guidance apply to all Church bodies and church officers. All 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.
The Policy Statement, Policies, Guidance and Protocols are available to view on the diocesan website.
Fiona Vernon is our appointed Parish Safeguarding Officer, whose role is to ensure that everyone who works with the Church in any capacity has undergone the necessary checks and training beforehand and, working with the PCC ensures our policy is implemented. Specifically, everyone who works with under 18’s and those who are vulnerable is taken through a recruitment process and is checked for Enhanced DBS clearance where applicable. For more information about our policy and the guidelines and training we give our volunteers and workers please contact us.
If you have any concerns at all about the safety of anyone, please contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer, Rector or Churchwarden.
The Parish of St John’s, Windlesham
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH
The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 23rd June 2026.
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 current risk to others.
The Parish will:
· Create a safe and caring place for all.
· Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent/wardens in vacancy, 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.
This church appoints Fiona Vernon as the Parish Safeguarding Officer.
Email: Safeguarding@windleshamchurch.org.uk
Churchwardens: Hannah Taylor & Brian Pickthall
Date: 23 June 2026
Diocesan Safeguarding Team:
Telephone: 01483 790379 (lines are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) Email: safeguarding@cofeguildford.org.uk
Our Diocesan Safeguarding Officer is Vicki Boxall.
Resources
For more information regarding our Safeguarding and Inclusion policies please contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer.
For training in our Safeguarding policies and procedures please contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer, Rector or Churchwarden.
To see our Responding to Domestic Abuse Policy please click here.
Website for Guildford Diocesan Safeguarding resources.
Local and National Helplines
For all emergencies call 999
The Single Point of Access (SPA)
Children and Adult Service social workers. Direct information, advice and guidance about where and how to find appropriate support for children and families
Surrey 0300 470 9100
(children) cspa@surreycc.gov.uk
(adult) acsmash@surreycc.gov.uk
Domestic Abuse
Surrey – YourSanctuary: 01483 776822
24hr National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
DeafHope (BSL) text: 07970 350366
Childline: 0800 1111
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk
NSPCC Sign Video link : nspcc.org.uk/about-us/contact-us
Samaritans: 116123 or jo@samaritans.org
Modern Day Slavery Helpline: 0800 0121700
Mental Health Crisis Helpline: 0300 5000 101
Open 5.00pm – 9.00am Monday to Friday
24 hours cover at weekends inc Bank Holidays
SMS texting facility for people who are deaf or hard of hearing: 07717 989024
Stop it Now! 0808 1000 900 www.stopitnow.org.uk
National helplines:
NSPCC 0808 800 5000
Childline 0800 1111
Stop it Now 0808 1000 900
NAPAC 0808 801 0331
Samaritans 116 123
Family Lives 0808 800 2222
National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247
Action on Elder Abuse 0808 808 814
