Safeguarding statement

We recognise that the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults is paramount and that we have a duty of care when they are in our charge. We will do everything that we can to provide a safe and caring environment while they attend our activities.

A link to our Safeguarding policy can be found below. In summary, it says we will:

  • Treat all children, young people and vulnerable adults and groups with respect

  • Recruit and select all those working with children, young people and vulnerable adults or groups on our behalf in accordance with the Church of England’s Guidance on Safer Recruitment

  • Provide a code of conduct for all staff to include the assessment of risk for key roles when working with children, young people and vulnerable adults

  • Respond to concerns and allegations without delay in accordance with Diocesan Safeguarding procedures

Concerns

Call 999 if a child or adult is in immediate danger of significant or serious harm.

When there is a disclosure of harm or there are concerns about the welfare of any children, young person or vulnerable adult, all adults in our church community are expected to share their concerns with one of the following:

More information on how you can report any safeguarding concerns is available from the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich here.

Others who can help

The Suffolk County Council helpline is 0808 800 4005

National helplines:

  • NSPCC – 0808 800 5000

  • Childline – 0800 1111

  • Stop it Now – 0808 1000 900

  • NAPAC – 0808 801 0331

  • Samaritans – 116 123

  • Family Lives – 0808 800 2222

  • National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247

  • Action on Elder Abuse – 0808 808 8141

The PCC of St Augustine of Hippo, Ipswich formally re-adopted the House of Bishops’ Promoting a Safer Church on December 3, 2024, and our policy can be found here.