If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from a Safeguarding Adviser or if necessary report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Services or the Police without delay.

Safeguarding at St Mary’s Church

You may have heard the news that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, resigned this week, following the publication of the Makin Review into the Church of England’s handling of serious abuse by John Smyth.

In the light of this, I just wanted to assure you how seriously we take safeguarding in all its forms at St Mary’s, Redbourn. Everyone in any position of responsibility at St Mary’s is required by the Church of England nationally to undertake regular and good quality training to keep up to date on safeguarding, and I am so grateful to Jan, our Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) for her help and assistance in recent years to ensure that we’re on track with all relevant training and DBS checks.

Additionally, we’re very well supported by the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, who offer excellent training and also good, professional and wise advice and support on every aspect of safeguarding at St Mary’s and any concern we may have. You may be surprised at the number of conversations we have but they are friendly, helpful and very quick to respond.

If you have any concerns about anything to do with safeguarding, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with myself or Jan, our PSO.

These are difficult times for the church nationally as we come to terms with the legacy of what has happened. We stand with those who have suffered abuse of any kind and we pray that justice will be done. And we commit and recommit ourselves to ensuring that all our churches will be safe and welcoming to absolutely everyone who comes through our doors.

Finally, thank you especially to the congregation of St Mary’s for everything you do to help us look after each other here within our church community. I hope that it helps give others confidence that we are a safe and welcoming place to be for all, where all are valued.

God bless, Rev’d Rachel

Contacts

  Janet Lang, St Mary’s Parish Safeguarding     
  Officer

  Tel: 07966 945 480

  email: pso@stmarysredbourn.org