Safeguarding at KCM
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.
If there is immediate risk or danger please call 999.
KCM Safeguarding Officer: Helen Schmitz: safeguarding@kcm-church.org.uk
Diocesan Safeguarding Team
Diocesan Safeguarding Officer: Jez Hirst 01727 818 107 or 07867 350 886 or safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org
Deals with safeguarding concerns involving children, young persons and vulnerable adults.
Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Dave Adams 01727 818 104 or 07469 351 357 or safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org
Working alongside the DSA supporting Safeguarding matters across the Diocese
Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Warren Lucas 01727 818 106 or 07311 310 545 or enquiries safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org
Safeguarding enquiries within the Diocese of St Albans. wlucas@stalbans.anglican.org
Safeguarding Administrator: Melissa McDonald 01727 818 103 or 07311 310475 or for enquiries safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org
Melissa administers safeguarding training for Clergy, Clergy with PtO, Readers and Parish Safeguarding Officers, updates and monitors training records, answers queries on training and other general safeguarding matters, and takes minutes for meetings and any other administration for the team. melissa.mcdonald@stalbansdiocese.org
Safeguarding Training Coordinator and Trainer: Jos Perris 07771 179015 or jos.perris@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