"Safeguarding" can seem like a bureaucratic term nowadays, but it is in fact at the heart of the life of the Church, which has for centuries aspired to be a place of refuge and, indeed, of salvation. The exposed wooden ceiling of many churches is intended to resemble the hull of a boat: even an ark that, in the book of Genesis, kept Noah and his family safe from harm. The word "nave" that refers to the part of the church where the congregation is, is from the Latin "navis", meaning "ship". One of the most striking images that Jesus uses of himself is of a Mother Hen sheltering her children under her wings. Over and over again in the Bible, God expresses special concern for the vulnerable, including for children and elderly people. The Church's work of safeguarding is an expression of this divine concern.
Tragically and outrageously, the Church has not always lived up to its call to be a place of refuge: there have been grave abuses of power, not least by the clergy, for which the Church must repent. In recent decades, the Church of England has sought to make amends for the horrors that have been perpetrated within its walls and especially by its trusted ministers. Among this work is pastoral care for victims and survivors of abuse, and also reform of processes, structures, and policies to do with safeguarding. This work is on-going.
Here in this Benefice, we join in with the rest of the Church in our commitment to being a safe place for all people, where they can flourish as children of God. Safeguarding is a top priority for us here. On this page, you will find links to information about what to do if you suspect or witness anything concerning, or have experienced any abuse yourselves.
The most important thing to remember is that if you personally experience or witness any abuse you should report it immediately. The police can be contacted via the emergency number 999 or the non-emergency number 101. Please do not hesitate to call these numbers.
Our Parish Safeguarding Officer for the entire Benefice is Hilary Baldwin, who may be contacted via email and phone (see Safeguarding Policy). Please contact her if you have any concerns about safeguarding, no matter how seemingly minor, no matter who it involves, whether child or adult. You may also report a concern using this button below, which goes directly to the Parish Safeguarding Officer (and not, e.g., the priest).
We recommend that you also follow-up on your report. Appropriate follow-up times will vary depending on context, but it would be rarely appropriate to wait any longer than a month. If you require assistance of any kind to lodge a report, please contact the Safeguarding Officer, Hilary Baldwin.
The Diocese of Chichester website also provides more detailed instructions for specific kinds of cases, including concerning children and vulnerable adults, sexual abuse and domestic abuse.
Please also find our Safeguarding Policy here.
Please find here also two foundational documents by the Church of England about safeguarding, its theology and practice.