Safeguarding

Our Ethos

We strive to make sure that our churches are places in which children, young people and vulnerable adults are safe from abuse.

We do our very best to ensure that individuals are not placed in situations where there are possibilities of false accusations being made.

We commit ourselves to respond to any suspicion or allegation promptly and appropriately.

We operate safer recruitment processes in line with the diocesan guidelines and help to protect staff and volunteers by promoting good practice.

The exploitation of any relationship will not be tolerated. Allegations of abuse will be taken seriously. We will not conduct our own investigations, but will always co-operate fully with the statutory agencies.

Our policy is to endeavour to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all members of the congregations, local communities and visitors.  Our safeguarding procedures are reviewed frequently. 

You can find our safeguarding policy via this link:

  • Copies of both PCC Safeguarding Statements are here.
  • For Diocesan safeguarding contacts, click this link.
  • You can access a list of external agencies to help with safeguarding issues here.
  • If you are in a photo on our website and want to remove it, please contact the church office on: office@sbcofe.org

Our church safeguarding coordinators are available to speak to you if you have any concerns or questions.  They are:

Hazel Ralph

0773 9837260

safeguarding.biddenden@sbcofe.org

Sian Newman

0774 5806730

safeguarding.smarden@sbcofe.org