Safeguarding

Message from the Diocese of Guildford

Diocese of Guildford

Are you a survivor or victim of church related abuse? Could you help the Diocese of Guildford to learn from the past and protect the future?

The Diocese of Guildford is currently reviewing all its records, across all 162 parishes, to ensure that all safeguarding concerns and allegations have been identified, reported, and appropriately actioned. Critical to this, is the voice of survivors and victims. The Diocese of Guildford wants to listen to and to learn from your experiences and ensure that your voices are heard throughout this review process.

Coming forward

Anybody who would like to give information or make disclosures about church-related abuse is asked to contact Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, Jackie Broadfoot (jackie.broadfoot@cofeguildford.org.uk  07918 559387).

Support is available

The Diocese recognises that coming forward may be extremely difficult and dedicated support has been set up for you. Two confidential listening services have been set up, for those people who have experienced church related abuse but who might want to talk through their experiences and feelings before taking any next step. To find out more about the support available click here.

Building the safest community we can

Bishop Andrew, Diocesan Bishop for the Diocese of Guildford explains why we are doing this: “It is important we do everything we can to make our churches the safest places they can be. Safe means different things to different people but this review will help us to ensure that the concerns reported to our churches have been dealt with properly, and the care taken and the support given is of the high quality that people rightly deserve.  We have learnt from a previous review that that survivors and victims’ voices are critical, and I would urge you to come forward.”


Holy Trinity Church Safeguarding Policy

Diocese of Guildford

Statement of Safeguarding Policy

At the PCC meeting held on 24th May 2021 the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of   

Holy Trinity, Bramley adopted the Church of England Promoting a Safer Church Policy Statement, House of Bishop’s Practice Guidance and supporting diocesan safeguarding protocols. 

 

“Promoting a Safer Church” sets out the Church of England’s commitment to making the church a safer place for all. 

 

The Policies and Practice Guidance apply to all Church bodies and church officers. All clergy, bishops, archdeacons, licensed readers and lay workers, church wardens and PCCs must have due regard to safeguarding guidance issued by the House of Bishops. 

 

The Policy Statement, Policies, Guidance and Protocols are available to view on the diocesan website at www.cofeguildford.org.uk/safeguarding.  

 

As a PCC we are committed to the support, nurture and protection of all in our church community. 

 

The Parish will: 

  • Create a safe and caring place for all.
  • Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
  • Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and vulnerable adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
  • Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
  • Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
  • Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
  • Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.
  • Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
  • Following advice from the DSA support and manage the safe involvement of any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties. 
  • Ensure that procedures and risk assessments are in place for all activities and that these are reviewed annually.
  • Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.

Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.


If you have any questions or concerns about safeguarding at our church please contact Penny Dyson, our safeguarding officer or our Churchwardens Sue Oldrey and Catherine Smith