What should you do if you are concerned about a child or vulnerable adult?

If you are worried about the safety of a child or adult, please follow the following steps...

STEP 1 : Manage risk

If someone is at risk of immediate harm, take action to limit the risks posed to them.

Please do not put yourself in a dangerous situation.

STEP 2 : listen and record

If a child or vulnerable adult is disclosing that they are being harmed or are at risk, you must listen without judgement.

Take notes if you are able to, and try to write down exactly what the person tells you.

Do not ask leading questions (e.g. “Is ‘x’ hurting you?”).

Do not offer confidentiality - you will need to pass on what you are told.

STEP 3 : pass it on

If you have a non-urgent safeguarding concern, please use the link below to let us know. If a disclosure is made or you suspect someone is being harmed and there is immediate risk, you must speak to a member of the church Safeguarding Team as soon as possible either in person or by phone.

Telephone numbers for the team are available in the Safeguarding Policy and Procedure document.