Safeguarding

We believe every person has value and dignity, created in the image of God. This means we have a responsibility to honour, protect and care for all people, and to ensure that our church is a safe place for everyone.

At King’s, we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults, and to guarding against all forms of abuse. Our aim is to create an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, listened to and confident to ask for help or support.

We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church. We take proper care in the selection, appointment, training and ongoing support of all who work with children, young people or vulnerable adults, following our Safer Recruitment procedures.

We regularly review and update our safeguarding policy. You can read it here:

Safeguarding Policy

Alongside our dedicated Safeguarding Team, we are also members of Christian Safeguarding Services who provide training, support and advice to ensure that we are following best practices in this vitally important area.

What’s in our Safeguarding Policy?

Our policy explains:

  • How we protect children, young people and vulnerable adults, including our approach to preventing harm and promoting wellbeing.
  • How to report a concern, what happens next, and how we respond to disclosures.
  • Roles and responsibilities of staff, volunteers, leaders and our Safeguarding Team.
  • Safer Recruitment procedures, including DBS checks, references and ongoing supervision.
  • Codes of conduct for working safely with children and adults.
  • Training expectations for everyone involved in ministry.
  • How we manage risk, including events, trips and online activities.
  • Pastoral care and support for anyone affected by abuse.
  • Recording and confidentiality procedures, ensuring information is handled appropriately.

Please refer to the full policy for complete details.

Alongside our dedicated Safeguarding Team, we are members of Christian Safeguarding Services, who provide us with training, support and professional advice to ensure we follow current best practice.

Safeguarding contacts

If you have a safeguarding concern or would like advice, please contact:

  • Safeguarding Officer: Becca Hofmeyr
  • Deputy Safeguarding Officer: Hope White

You can do this by emailing them at safeguarding@kcg.org.uk, contacting them directly or speaking to them at church.

You can speak to either of them confidentially. They will listen, take your concern seriously, and follow appropriate procedures to ensure safety and support for all involved.

You can also speak to Richard Gray, Elder, who oversees policies and safeguarding at King’s.

An additional list of local and national organisations:

Local

  • Local Children’s Social Services Office (office hours): 0300 200100
  • Single Point Access (SPA) 24 hr. emergency number: 01483 517898
  • Local Adult Social Services Office (office hours): 0300 200 1005
  • Adult 24 hr. emergency number: 01483 517895
  • Police Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT): 01483 571212
  • Guildford Children’s Services (LADO): 0300 1231650 – option 3

National

  • Samaritans: 116 123
  • Family Lives: 0808 800 2222
  • National Domestic Violence Helpline (Refuge): 08082000247
  • NSPCC (for adults): 08088005000 
  • NSPCC Childline: 08001111
  • Safe Spaces: 03003031056
  • Mankind: 01823 334244