Safeguarding at St Mary's, Studham

If you are affected by any safeguarding issue, we take your concerns with utmost seriousness. We will listen to you sensitively and take action as appropriate. Full contact details of our current safeguarding officer are below, along with the vicar’s details and the details of the Diocesan safeguarding staff.

The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Studham is part of the Diocese of St. Albans in the Church of England, whose Archbishops, Bishops, clergy and leaders are absolutely committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church. Safeguarding means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means we will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, work to prevent abuse from occurring, seek to protect those that are at risk of being abused and respond well to those that have been abused. We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others, and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks.

The Church of England affirms the ‘Whole Church’ approach to safeguarding. This approach encompasses a commitment to consistent policy and practice across all Church bodies, Church Officers and that everyone associated with the Church, who comes into contact with children, young people and adults, has a role to play. The Church will take appropriate steps to maintain a safer environment for all and to practice fully and positively Christ’s ministry towards children, young people and adults; to respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help keep them safe from harm.

Safeguarding is the responsibility of all those who worship at St Mary's, Studham and we have safeguarding lead in our church. Contact  Meg Bender on (01528) 872967 or email [email protected] about any safeguarding matter. You can also speak to the vicar, the Reverend Nicola Lenthall on (01582) 872223 or email [email protected].

The Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor is Jeremy Hirst who can be contacted on (01727) 818107 or 07867 350886 or at [email protected]; his assistant is Martyn Hedley on (01727) 818106 or (07391) 010033.

Two very useful links: More information on the Church of England’s National Safeguarding can be found here: www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding

More information about Safeguarding in the Diocese of St. Albans can be found here: https://www.stalbans.anglican.org/diocese/safeguarding