The Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Hampton is committed to implementing the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policies and good practice guidance. 

A formal statement to adopt the House of Bishops’ “Promoting a Safer Church; safeguarding policy statement” was agreed by the Parochial Church Council and recorded in the minutes of the meeting on 3 June 2026.

The following core principles underpin the Church’s approach to safeguarding practice:

  • The welfare of the child, young person and vulnerable adult is paramount;

  • Integrity, respect and listening to all;

  • Transparency and openness;

  • Accountability;

  • Collaboration with key statutory authorities and other partners;

  • Use of professional safeguarding advice and support both inside and outside the Church;

  • A commitment to the prevention of abuse;

  • The active management of risk;

  • Promoting a culture of informed vigilance;

  • Regular evaluation to ensure best practice.

What is safeguarding for and why do we need it?

Unfortunately, we often hear or read about something terrible involving children or an adult at risk happening. Whilst these events happen in many different kinds of organisation, the sad truth is that it sometimes involves churches. Additionally in the modern world of social media and instant access to the internet via smartphones or tablets safeguarding has become more important, and more complex, than ever before.

At St Mary's we firmly believe that everyone is valued and all have something to offer. For this reason, we are committed to being an open church and no-one should be afraid to challenge or come forward if something is clearly wrong or they have concerns.

The vast majority of safeguarding is common sense - if you are concerned about anything, report it. We all have a duty of care to one another and so we are all safeguarders. In order to support us all in our safeguarding, St Mary's has a designated Safeguarding Team. The safeguarding team exists to protect the leaders as well as the children and adults at risk.

If you have any concerns or questions about safeguarding please contact the safeguarding team by emailing them: safeguarding@hampton-church.org.uk

Please see the full safeguarding policy for more details. There are also hard copies in the church porch and in the office.

Call 999 if a child or adult is in immediate danger of significant or serious harm

Important phone numbers:

St Mary’s Church Safeguarding Team: 07344 368154
Diocesan Safeguarding Team helpline: 020 7932 1224 (during working hours)
NSPCC – 0808 800 5000
Childline – 0800 1111
Stop it Now – 0808 1000 900
NAPAC – 0808 801 0331
Samaritans – 116 123
Family Lives – 0808 800 2222
National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247
Action on Elder Abuse – 0808 808 8141