At SMB we want to make everyone feel welcome and safe. Though particular people bear formal responsibility for Safeguarding, ‘the care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of the whole Church (Promoting a Safer Church, 2017)’. We expect each member within SMB to contribute to keeping one another safe and protecting others from harm and accidents, through our actions and behaviour, and to take action if we see or hear something that causes a safeguarding concern.
To help with this, we have a Safeguarding Group (see below) who’s roles include include looking out for those within SMB who may need support. They are also available to speak to about any issues or concerns you may have.
Every volunteer who helps with ministry to children, youth work or vulnerable adults has to complete our Safer Recruitment process, including a DBS check, online Safeguarding training and two references, as well as an interview with the ministry leader. Please contact the Church Office if you wish to help with the children and youth work or be involved in other ministries and we’ll put you in touch with the right people.
Safeguarding Team
Andy King – Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding Lead
Sarah Genders – Child Safeguarding Lead
Barney de Berry – Vicar
Stephan Carter – Associate Vicar
Alternatively you can contact our Churchwardens:
Rosemary Wade – 07921 501804 – churchwardens@smb.org.uk
Peter Bobb – 07527 877947 – churchwardens@smb.org.uk
Reporting a Concern – FAQ’s
If you have an urgent concern about a child, young person, or adult, and an immediate response is needed:
Refer directly to the emergency services on 999, and inform the designated Safeguarding Lead or Clergy listed above (unless they are the subject of concern) via email or telephone.
If you have a concern about someone in need or at risk of harm (non-emergency):
Complete our Safeguarding Concern Form using the button above which is sent directly to the Safeguarding team. You can also contact them using their details above.
If you have a concern about a staff member at SMB:
If your concern is regarding a church officer (clergy, member of staff or safeguarding lead) please contact the Canterbury Diocesan Safeguarding Advisors:
Paul Brightwell – 07398 009951 – pbrightwell@diocant.org
Fiona Coombs – 07548 232395 – fcoombs@diocant.org
Resources
CofE safeguarding policies
We are committed to the Church of England’s ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ safeguarding policy, and use the Parish Safeguarding Handbook as guidance, supported locally by the Canterbury Diocese Supplementary Document. This is reviewed annually by the PCC.
We have an eSafety policy we use with our children and young people based on the Diocese eSafety Guidelines.
If you would like to read more of the policies and guidance given to us by the Canterbury Diocese, please do visit the Canterbury Diocese website.
Helplines and Further Support
If you need to talk with someone outside of church there are other organisations who offer advice and support:
Child Line (for under 18’s) – 0800 1111
NSPCC – 0808 800 5000
Samaritans: 116 123
Family Lives helpline (for parents/carers) – 0808 800 2222
Kent Social Services (concerns about adults) – 03000 41 61 61
Kent Social Services (concerns about children) – 03000 41 11 11
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Mens Advice Line: 0808 8010 327
National Careline: 0800 0699 784
Safe Spaces: 0300 303 1056