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Safeguarding 

Promoting a Safer Church

St Mary's Church, Goldington's Safeguarding Statement

St Mary the Virgin Church, Goldington 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 that 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 practice 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.

Although safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone here at St Mary's Sue Lennon is our designated Parish Safeguarding Officer and can be contacted about any safeguarding matter.

SAFEGUARDING

If you are worried about a child or vulnerable person please contact
our Parish Safeguarding Officer - Sue Lennon: 01234 407298
pso.stmarys@outlook.com

or the Churchwarden: 07349729855
Churchwarden.stmarygoldington@gmail.com

or St. Albans Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor - Jez Hirst: 01727 818107
safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org

or St. Albans Diocesan Safeguarding Contacts:
https://www.stalbansdiocese.org/safeguarding/safeguarding-contacts/
Parish Statement on Domestic Abuse
C of E Safeguarding Policy Statement
Model Parish Safeguarding Policy (updated 2025)
Guidance for working with Children
Guidance for working with Adults
Parish Statement on Spiritual Abuse
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.stalbansdiocese.org/safeguarding/