Safeguarding

A place of safety

As a church we are called to offer God’s hospitality to everyone who comes through the doors of our church, and as such we have a responsibility to ensure that our church community is a place of safety for everyone. The church council takes seriously it’s duty in ensuring that all statutory safeguarding guidelines are adhered to, and that the whole church accepts it role in having the highest standards in safeguarding.

If you have any concerns about our safeguarding practices, please speak to our Safeguarding Officer, Cosima Rodriguez-Broadbent.

If you have any concerns about the welfare of a child, a vulnerable adult or have a concern relating to domestic violence please contact Cosima immediately.

The Safeguarding Representative at SJB

If you have concerns about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult, please contact
Cosima Rodriguez-Broadbent:
Phone:    07538 766 555
email:      safeguarding@chippingbarnetparish.co.uk

All information is treated in strictest confidence.

St Albans Diocesan Safeguarding Team

If you wish to contact the St Albans Diocese Safeguarding Team directly:

Phone:   01727 818 107
email:    safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org

Policy

The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of the whole Church. Everyone who participates in the life of the Church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.  

This document sets out the safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adult’s policy of the Church of England. It has been informed by the Joint Safeguarding Statement between the Church of England and the Methodist Church, with whom we work jointly on many aspects of safeguarding policy on a covenant basis.

The Church of England safeguarding policy statement is based on 5 foundations and offers 6 overarching policy commitments:

• Promoting a Safer environment and culture
• Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the Church
• Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
• Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons
• Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons
• Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.

This policy applies to all Church Bodies and Church Officers. Full understanding of, and adherence to, this policy should lead to a deepening in the understanding of, and respect for, the rights of children, young people and vulnerable adults as people of faith in the life of the Church. 

Promoting a Safer Church policy

Independent National Helplines

Posters

London Borough of Barnet Council Social Services

Safeguarding Training

The St Albans Diocese Safeguarding Training Programme is designed to ensure that all church communities are safe, welcoming, and well-informed about safeguarding responsibilities. The programme follows the Church of England’s national safeguarding framework and offers a range of training modules tailored to different roles within the church.

Who Needs Safeguarding Training

Anyone involved in church life — whether clergy, lay leaders, volunteers, or paid staff — may be required to complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role. This includes:

• Clergy (including those with Permission to Officiate)
• Readers and Licensed and Commissioned Lay Ministers
• Parish Safeguarding Officers (PSOs)
• Churchwardens, PCC members, youth leaders, and children’s workers

Core Training Modules

Training is delivered primarily through the Church of England Safeguarding Portal and includes:

Basic Awareness.  For anyone involved in church life. Covers the foundations of safeguarding.

Foundations.  For those with safeguarding responsibilities or leadership roles.

Leadership.  Required for clergy, Readers, and Parish Safeguarding Officers. Includes pre-course work, two Zoom or in-person sessions, and a post-course reflection.

Safer Recruitment & People Management.  For those involved in recruiting staff or volunteers.

Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse.  Recommended for anyone in pastoral or leadership roles.

Refresher Training.  All safeguarding training must be refreshed every three years to ensure knowledge remains current.

How to Access Training

Most courses are available online via the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal. You’ll need to register with your email, parish, and role. Some leadership and PSO induction courses are offered in person or via Zoom and are arranged by the Diocese.

Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal
 

Need Help or Have any Questions

Visit the St Albans Diocese Safeguarding Training page: Safeguarding Training - The Diocese of St Albans and check the Safeguarding Training FAQs

Contact the Parish Safeguarding Officer, Cosima Rodriguez-Broadbent: safeguarding@chippingbarnetparish.co.uk