Safeguarding

Reporting a concern or finding support

If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention call the emergency services on 999. Do not delay.

In other circumstances, you can report abuse or concerns to:

• Parish Safeguarding Officer: Nicola Kingston (safeguarding@holyspirit-clapham.org.uk)

• Diocesan Safeguarding Team : safeguarding@southwark.anglican.org and 0207 939 9441 (Mon to Fri 9am – 5pm)

• NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

• Childline: 0800 1111

• Stop It Now: 0808 1000 900

• NAPAC: 0808 801 0331

• Family Lives: 0808 800 2222

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247

• Respect Phoneline: 0808 8024040

• Samaritans: 116123

• National Careline: 0800 0699784

Policy

The following safeguarding policy to promote a safer church was adopted by the Parochial Church Council (PCC) on 8 June 2021.

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 who may pose a present risk to others.

The parish will:

• create a safe and caring place for all

• have a named Parish Safeguarding by Officer (PSO) 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 on church premises and on the parish website the details of whom to contact with 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 immediately notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies

• 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 Practice 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.

The PCC of Holy Spirit Clapham appointed Nicola Kingston as Parish Safeguarding Officer on 17 May 2026.

Incumbent: Revd. Ruth Burge-Thomas

Churchwardens: Alison Inglis-Jones and Erica Shelton