Safeguarding

St Andrew’s is proud to be a part of the Diocese of St. Albans in the Church of England, whose Archbishops, Bishops, clergy and leaders are absolutely committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church.

Safeguarding means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means we will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, work to prevent abuse from occurring, seek to protect those that are at risk of being abused and respond well to those who have been abused. We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others, and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks.

The Church of England affirms the ‘Whole Church’ approach to safeguarding. This approach encompasses a commitment to consistent policy and practice across all Church bodies, Church Officers and that everyone associated with the Church, who comes into contact with children, young people and adults, has a role to play.

The Church will take appropriate steps to maintain a safer environment for all and to practise fully and positively Christ’s Ministry towards children, young people and adults; to respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help keep them safe from harm.

St Andrews Church has adopted a Parish Safeguarding Policy in accordance with the Church of England’s “Promoting a Safer Church”. – ‘St. Andrew’s Safeguarding Policy’ maybe viewed below :

Although safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone here at St Andrew’s, Annette Reeve is our designated Safeguarding Lead and can be contacted about any safeguarding matter on 07740 679715 or email – safeguarding@standrewswatford.org.uk –   You can also speak to the Vicar, Rev James Barlow, on 07868 120253 or leave an email via – vicar@standrewswatford.org.uk

Two very useful links:

More information on the Church of England’s National Safeguarding can be found here: http://www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding

More information about Safeguarding in the Diocese of St. Albans can be found here: https://www.stalbans.anglican.org/diocese/safeguarding

 The Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers are Jez Hirst he can be contacted by email safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org or by telephone on 01727 818106 or 07391 010033

To see the whole of the Church of England’s Parish Safeguarding Handbook “Promoting a Safer Church” click here https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/ParishSafeGuardingHandBookAugust2019Web.pdf

St. Andrew’s Safeguarding Policy: