1. Safeguarding in our Church

The parish of St James the Great, East Malling is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer, PSO. The Diocese of Rochester’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

Church contacts available to speak to if you have any concerns:

Mrs Michala Neaves             Role: Parish safeguarding officer   Tel: 01732 321 473

Rochester Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser

Mr Greg Barry   Tel: 01634 560 000     E-mail: [email protected]

Local Authority Social Services: 

During the day and in office hours

If you have concerns about an adult?

• Call 03000 41 61 61 (text relay 18001 03000 41 61 61) or email [email protected]

If you have concerns about a child?

• Call 03000 41 11 11 (text relay 18001 03000 41 11 11) or email [email protected]

Out of hours and in an emergency

You can contact Kent County Council Social Services outside of normal office hours, for example during the night, by calling 03000 41 91 91.

If you think someone is in immediate risk or danger the best thing to do is to contact the police on 999.

A list of useful helplines can be found by following this link Helplines

The Church of Englands Safeguarding Policy can be found by following this link Safeguarding Policy

If you have been affected by abuse, however long ago, or if you are concerned that someone else is experiencing or has experienced abuse in a church setting, we want to help. You can find details of those who can help by following this link Safeguarding Help 

Our formal safeguarding statement, signed by the Vicar and Churchwardens on behalf of the Parochial Church Council can be found below