The Church in Wales and St Mark’s Church are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of its life, mission and ministry. Safeguarding means preventing harm to children and adults at risk by protecting them from abuse or neglect.
Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility.
Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical attention, please call the emergency services immediately on 999.
If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is not in immediate danger or at risk of harm, please report this as soon as possible to the provincial safeguarding officer for North Wales: Olwen Kay – olwenkay@churchinwales.org.uk | 07908 963335
Should you need any help or advice in relation to safeguarding, you can also contact our local Safeguarding Officer: Helen Davies – helendavies707@yahoo.com
Safeguarding Training
A healthy Christian community is one which ensures and nurtures the well-being of all. Safeguarding needs to be embedded in all aspects of the life and ministry of the Church, and safeguarding training and development within the Church in Wales is delivered in this context.
The Church in Wales Safeguarding Awareness Course is aimed at all of us within our church communities, and is intended to equip us to help make the church – and keep the church – a safe place. The church should be a community that is welcoming and hospitable to all. We believe that if it isn’t safe, it isn’t Church. You can complete Safeguarding Module A in approximately 45 mins, by following this link: Church in Wales Safeguarding Awareness Module A – The Church in Wales
The training will equip you to engage positively with the protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults in a practical and informed manner.
In-person training is designed and delivered by experienced and skilled trainers, committed to ensuring the Church is safe and welcoming place for all, who understand the statutory requirements of safeguarding children and adults, and how these are carried out in the context of the Church in Wales.
It is a requirement that all clergy, churchwardens, licensed readers, vergers, Ministry Area Council members, Ministry Area safeguarding officers and anyone who has a role which involves working with children, young people and adults at risk complete Module B Understanding safeguarding in the Church. The training needs to be renewed every three years. Module B will take about 2½ hours to complete.
Module C Safeguarding and Leadership is specifically for the Ministry Area Lead or Lead Cleric; the Ministry Area Wardens, and the Safeguarding Officer, however we encourage all members/trustees to attend as it will help individuals to enhance their understanding of safeguarding practices and guidance. There will be an opportunity to consider how healthy Church communities should look, whilst focusing on good safeguarding behaviours and their impact. Module C will take about 3 hours to complete.