Keeping Safe: Safeguarding at St Marks
If you have a concern
Most of the time at church we are like a big and happy family. However there are times even in happy families where people can have a bad day and even people we know and trust can upset us. We want to help everyone have a good day all of the time. We try to make sure that people who have jobs in the church always behave well and in a way that is helpful to you. We never want anyone or anything in church to frighten you, confuse you or worry you.
If your situation is urgent
If you have a serious concern about a child or adult at risk you should contact the Police or the local authority safeguarding team in your area. Please note: you do not need to speak to the either the local Safeguarding Officer or the Diocesan Safeguarding Team first if the matter is urgent.
When to make contact
It is important that you tell us if something is upsetting you or if you are feeling worried about something that’s happening or something somebody is doing. We have specially trained people who you can talk to and who you can ask for help. These people are good at safeguarding. This means they look after everyones safety.
The people who can help you are:
Rev’d. Matt Rodgers is the Vicar of St. Mark’s & St. Martin’s. He can contacted on 01472 425015 or by email: matt.rodgers@stmarksgrimsby.org.uk
Jen Burt is the designated Parish Safeguarding Officer at St. Mark’s & St. Martin’s. She can be contacted by email: safeguarding@stmarksgrimsby.org.uk.
The on-duty Safeguarding officer at St. Mark’s and St. Martin’s can be contacted on 07706 059531.
If you need to speak to someone who isn’t local
If you would prefer to speak to someone outside the parish, you can talk to the Lincoln Diocesan Safeguarding Team. Details can be found here. That page also has information about other places where you can get help or advice.
During office hours, to speak to the Duty Safeguarding Professional, please email safeguarding@lincoln.anglican.org.
Safeguarding concerns can also be reported to North East Lincolnshire Council who you can ring: If you have a safeguarding concern with adults - 01472256256 If you have a safeguarding concern with children - 01472326292
Keeping safe in general
Caring for people is a very important past of our Christian life. The church has adopted all the policies listed on the Lincoln Diocese website here.
The following documents are adopted by the Parochial Church Council and are included here for reference. Please click on each link, below, to access the document.
Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone: we all have a responsibility to make sure that all children, young people, and vulnerable adults are safe, secure, and protected from harm not just when involved in Church Activities but all of the time.
What if I have general concerns not connected with the church?
There are a number of organisations you can get in touch with who can help you. These include
The Emergency Services (Urgent): 999
Local Police: 101
Childline: 0800 1111
Stop It Now! (NSPCC): 0808 800 5000
Elder Abuse: 0808 808 8141
Domestic Violence: 0808 2000 247
Where can I find more information on the Church of England safeguarding policies?
Further details on the Church of England's Safeguarding policies, including Protecting All God's Children (safeguarding policy for children and young people, 4th edition, 2010) and Promoting a Safe Church (safeguarding policy for adults, 2006) can be found on the Church of England Safeguarding page.
“The Church of England, its archbishops, bishops, clergy and leaders are 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.”— Introduction from the House of Bishops' Safeguarding Policy "Promoting a Safer Church"