Safeguarding
On this page you will find -
What we have done
What to do if you have any concerns about safeguarding in the church
Safe Spaces
Safeguarding concerns about a child
Safeguarding concerns about a vulnerable adult
Domestic abuse
Childline
St Andrew's is a friendly and welcoming place, and so far as we are aware no child or vulnerable adult has come to any harm whilst in our care. Nonetheless, we are committed to doing all we can to continue to protect children and vulnerable adults who come into contact with the church by achieving best practice in all areas of our work. We are committed to this because each child and vulnerable adult is precious to our loving God and therefore to us.
Our safeguarding procedures comply with the guidance and recommendations of Ely Diocese and the Church of England.
We have:
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appointed a Parish Safeguarding Officer
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adopted the House of Bishops' safeguarding policy, Promoting a Safer Church, which can be found here
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brought into use the Parish Safeguarding Handbook, which can be found here
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implemented 'safer recruitment' procedures for all our volunteers who may come into contact with children and vulnerable adults. This includes completing a confidential declaration, the provision of two references, DBS checks and safeguarding training appropriate to the work undertaken
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risk assessed all our routine activities, and ensured that we carry out risk assessments for one-off activities
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adopted a policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, which can be found here
The Parish Safeguarding Officer reports to each meeting of the Church Council.
If you have a concern about a child, young person or adult within the church, a useful guide as to what to do is here.
The Parish Safeguarding Officer is Rob Needle, who can be contacted on 01223 844227 or 07877 055934 or safeguarding@standrewstapleford.org.
The Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor is Rebecca Boswell, who can be contacted on 07904 487912 or rebecca.boswell@elydiocese.org. The Diocesan Safeguarding Duty Phone for reporting a concern or seeking advice is 01353 652747.
The diocesan whistleblowing policy is here.
Other sources of advice and help
Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service for anyone who has experienced abuse in relation to the Church of England, the Church in Wales, or the Catholic Church of England and Wales. This could be abuse by someone who holds any role in the church or is linked to partici-pating in a church-led activity or group.
If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You do not have need to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church. Your information will not be shared without your consent, unless you or someone else is in immediate danger. Safe Spaces can provide a range of help, including advocating with authorities and other agencies, giving emotional support, providing information (including information on church and police procedures), understanding your needs and working together on individual support plans.
Telephone: 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)
Email: safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk
LiveChat via the Safe Spaces website
Safeguarding concerns about a child
To report safeguarding concerns about a child, contact Cambridgeshire County Council:
Telephone: 0345 045 5203 (8-6 pm Monday to Friday); 01733 234724 (out of hours)
Email: referralcentre.children@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Safeguarding concerns about a vulnerable adult
Or to report safeguarding concerns about a vulnerable adult, contact Cambridgeshire County Council:
Telephone: 0345 045 5202 (8 am to 6 pm weekdays, 9 am to 1 pm Saturday); 01733 234724
Email: referral.centre-adults@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
If you are a child or young person worried about your situation, Childline is a great source of advice. Its website is
here. Or you can call them on
0800 1111.
