The care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of the church.

Safeguarding is at the centre of our faith, in our practice, in our worship, in our praying and in our believing. Safeguarding is part of our core faith and an integral feature of Christian life in our church.

If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from a safeguarding officer or report the matter to their local authority social care services or contact the police without delay.

• KCM Safeguarding Policy Promoting a Safer Church
• KCM Domestic Abuse Policy July2023
• KCM Health and Safety Policy July2023
• KCM Lone Worker Policy July2023
• KCM Preventing Bully and Harassment Policy July2023
• KCM Privacy and Cookies Policy Notice July2023
• KCM Risk Assessment Zoom use and distribution Jul2023
• KCM Safe Use of Images Policy July2023
• KCM Safer Recruitment July2023
• Promoting a Safer Church July2023

If there is immediate risk or danger please call 999.

KCM Safeguarding Officer: Helen Schmitz: safeguarding@kcm-church.org.uk

Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor: Jez Hirst  01727 818107 or 07867 350886 or email: safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org

Hertfordshire County Council Safeguarding. Children: 0300 123 4043; Adults: 0300 123 4042

Non-recent incident

Some time ago we received a safeguarding complaint regarding abuse that took place in the 1960s by a lay person connected with our church.

The complaint was followed up by the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. It is now clear to us that the church authorities at the time failed in their duty to protect the individual concerned. We are sorry on behalf of KCM for the suffering and harm caused, and we recognise the courage they have shown in coming forward as a survivor of sexual abuse all these years later.

Churches should always be places in which people can worship, build community and thrive in safety. In light of this complaint, we have reviewed our church safeguarding policy and practices to ensure they are up to standard.

Please be assured that any safeguarding concerns raised will be treated with utmost sensitivity. If you would like to know more about our safeguarding measures, please contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer: Helen Schmitz safeguarding@kcm-church.org.uk or Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor Jez Hirst 01727 818107, 07867 350886