Safeguarding

We take the safeguarding and care of children, young people, victims of domestic abuse and vulnerable adults very seriously.

 

If anyone is in danger

If anyone is in immediate danger, call the Police on 999 straight away.

 

Reporting safeguarding concerns

If you have any concerns about the wellbeing of a child or vulnerable adult
OR
If you are concerned that something at church is not right please contact:

Kendra May, Church Safeguarding Officer

Telephone: 0300 302 3295
Email: 

  

Safeguarding at Grace Church Cowley

We are committed to the care, nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children and adults when they are vulnerable. We work hard to ensure that we operate in line with current best practice, as recommended by the Church of England. These recommendations include areas such as day-to-day care, recruitment of staff and volunteers, DBS clearance and training.  Grace Church Cowley comes under the authority of the PCC of St Ebbe's Church.  The PCC has adopted the Church of England’s policies and best practice on safeguarding which may be found on the Church of England website.

Please also see:

If you would like more information, please speak to a member of staff or contact our Church Safeguarding Officer, Kendra May.

 

Reporting safeguarding concerns

Any allegation or concern regarding the abuse of a child or vulnerable adult must be treated seriously and reported as soon as possible. A concern can arise when you observe or suspect abusive behaviour, when an allegation is made or disclosed, or where there are indicators (signs and symptoms) of suspected abuse on the victim.

There are two ways for you to report a safeguarding concern:

  • Directly to the Church Safeguarding Officer, Kendra May.
    Telephone: 0300 302 3295
    Email: 
  • Or to the Diocesan Safeguarding Caseworker, Erica Hegg.
    Telephone: 01865 208295.
    Email: 

All concerns raised will be investigated thoroughly and action taken in line with St Ebbe’s Church’s safeguarding policies and procedures - Grace Church Cowley is part of St Ebbe's Church. Confidentiality will be maintained to the fullest practical extent. The main exceptions are when the law requires disclosure, or when someone is at risk.

If you would like to report a concern or seek advice outside Grace Church Cowley and the Diocese of Oxford, then please contact:

  • Christian Safeguarding Services - an independent Christian safeguarding charity.
    Email: 
    Telephone: 0116 218 4420.
  • Thirtyone:Eight – an independent Christian safeguarding charity.
    Email:
    Telephone: 0303 003 1111


To report other concerns that are not safeguarding-related, please see Reporting concerns, complaints and whistleblowing.

 

Further Support

If you would like further support, please speak to a member of staff on Sundays, or at any time by email: .

Or contact:

  • Samaritans – a non-church support charity
    Telephone: 116 213