Safeguarding
St Michael & All Angels' Church
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
At St Michael & All Angels Church, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children, young people, and vulnerable adults within our church community. Safeguarding is a core aspect of our Christian faith, and we take it seriously by fostering a culture of vigilance, care, and responsibility.
We adhere to the safeguarding policies of the Church of England and the Diocese of Guildford, ensuring that our church remains a secure and welcoming place for all.
We are committed to
We are dedicated to:
Creating a safe environment for all members of our church community.
Ensuring the safe recruitment and training of all staff and volunteers who work with children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
Responding promptly and appropriately to any safeguarding concerns or allegations.
Providing pastoral care and support to survivors of abuse and those affected by safeguarding issues.
Offering appropriate support and accountability for individuals who may pose a risk to others.
Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
f you have a safeguarding concern, please do not hesitate to contact the appropriate person.
Survivors and Victims of Church-Related Abuse
Are you a survivor or victim of church-related abuse? The Diocese of Guildford is currently reviewing all safeguarding records to ensure that concerns have been identified, reported, and appropriately acted upon. The voices of survivors and victims are essential to this process. If you wish to provide information or make a disclosure, please reach out to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@cofeguildford.org.uk or call 01483 790379.
The Diocese understands that coming forward can be difficult, and dedicated confidential listening services are available for those who need support.
Parish Safeguarding Officer
Email: safeguarding@pirbrightchurch.org.uk
Diocesan Safeguarding Team
Email: safeguarding@cofeguildford.org.uk
Phone: 07984 323709
For urgent safeguarding matters, please contact the police or social services.
Bishop Andrew of the Diocese of Guildford emphasizes the importance of this initiative: "It is our responsibility to make our churches the safest places they can be. Listening to survivors and victims is crucial to ensuring that past failures are acknowledged and that our care and support meet the high standards people rightly deserve." If you have a safeguarding concern, please do not hesitate to contact the appropriate person:
Parish Safeguarding Officer
Email: safeguarding@pirbrightchurch.org.uk
Diocesan Safeguarding Team
Email: safeguarding@cofeguildford.org.uk
Phone: 07984 323709
Safe Use of Social Media
We recognize the importance of engaging with our congregation through social media and online platforms. St Michael & All Angels Church is committed to the safe and responsible use of social media, following the guidelines set by the Church of England.
If you have concerns about social media interactions within our church community, please reach out to our Parish Safeguarding Officer.
Creating an Inclusive and Safe Space
We are dedicated to ensuring that our church is an inclusive, welcoming, and accessible environment for everyone. We continually work to enhance our facilities and support services to meet the diverse needs of our congregation.
If you have concerns about someone’s physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being, we urge you to report it to our Safeguarding Officer or the Diocese of Guildford Safeguarding Team. All concerns will be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality, and where necessary, we will liaise with external authorities such as social services or law enforcement.
Our Commitment to a Safe Church
Safeguarding is not just a policy—it is an expression of our faith and commitment to caring for one another. Our Safeguarding Policy is displayed within the church, providing clear guidance on our procedures and responsibilities. We encourage all members of our community to familiarize themselves with these policies and take an active role in promoting a safe and supportive environment.
Together, we can ensure that St Michael & All Angels Church remains a place of trust, faith, and safety for all.
