SAFEGUARDING

 
 

Every person has value and dignity, which comes directly from being created in God’s image. Christians believe this potential is fulfilled through God’s re-creation of us in Christ. This understanding calls us to value all people and to protect them from harm.

Our Commitment

We commit to:
✔ Nurturing, protecting, and safeguarding all our members, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
✔ Recognising that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church.
✔ Exercising proper care in the selection, appointment, training, and support of those working with children or vulnerable adults.
✔ Responding without delay to concerns or allegations that a child or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, and cooperating fully in any investigation.
✔ Challenging abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.
✔ Offering pastoral care to anyone who has suffered abuse.
✔ Providing pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to proper authorities, to any church member known to have offended against a child, young person, or vulnerable adult.

Further Guidance

Further guidance can be found in the National Church’s Safeguarding Policies and Practice Guidance. The National Church’s Parish Safeguarding Handbook provides further advice on responding to concerns.

More detailed information about our Safeguarding Policy and practice is displayed on the footer of our website and can be found in accessible places within host venues.

Safeguarding Reporting

Immediate Danger or Medical Emergency

If a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical attention, call emergency services on 999 without delay.

Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

If you have a safeguarding issue or query related to a Garden Church, you may contact the Safeguarding Officer:

Daniel St John
📧 Email: safeguarding@garden-church.org

Where appropriate, he will liaise with safeguarding officers from other parishes where a Garden Church/missional community is located.

Diocesan Safeguarding Contacts

If you have a safeguarding concern, allegation, or suspicion of abuse regarding a child or vulnerable adult, please contact:

Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
📝 Sue Brice

Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
📝 Peter Sayer

📧 Email: safeguarding@dioceseofnorwich.org
📞 Phone: 01603 882345

Other Contacts

If preferred, you may also contact:

  • Norfolk Constabulary (Police)

  • Children’s Services – Norfolk County Council

  • Adult Social Care – Norfolk County Council

📌 This statement was published in February 2025 and will be reviewed and updated annually or as Church of England guidance is updated or revised.