Safeguarding

We want church to be a safe place for all, including those who are most vulnerable.

We take your child's welfare and protection seriously and all our volunteers are DBS-checked.


St Mike’s is committed to promoting a safer environment and culture.

unsplash-image-lt5EX1CEHtU.jpg

Safeguarding Officer

  • Sylvia Ridout

    Sylvia Ridout is the Safeguarding Officer for St Mike’s.

    If you have any concerns you would like to talk through, please contact her using the button below.

    Email Sylvia

  • Diocesan Safeguarding Officer

    Alternatively you can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, Jackie Rowlands on 01962 737317 or via email

    Email Jackie

  • In an emergency

    If neither safeguarding officer is available, and you beleive that someone is at immediate risk of harm, please call 999.

Safeguarding Policy

The following policy statement was agreed by the Parochial Church Council (PCC) in December 2020.

This parochial church council has adopted the Church of England Safeguarding Policies and Practice Guidance. In particular 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) 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 Manager (DSM) and/or statutory agencies immediately.

  • Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.

  • Following advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Manager, support and manage the safe involvement of 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 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; the Church of England safeguarding policies and practice guidance; and the procedures/guidelines established by this church.

This church appoints Sylvia Ridout as the Parish Safeguarding Officer

December 2020

Download our Parish Safeguarding Handbook here