Walton Parish is committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of the children within our church community. We are also committed to providing an environment where all people, especially those who may be vulnerable are able to worship and pursue their faith journey with encouragement and in safety.

The PCC has adopted the House of Bishops Safeguarding Policy Statement together with the supporting safeguarding policies and practice guidance. The Policy Statement along with The Parish Safeguarding Handbook are to be be replaced by the Parish Safeguarding Toolkit which is expected to be available at the end of 2025.

Safeguarding is at the heart of the gospel. We are called to welcome and show compassion to the oppressed and vulnerable and be a voice for the voiceless victims of injustice. Safeguarding good practice in church helps us to do this and to develop a culture of care underpinned by God’s unconditional love and welcome for all.

The Code of Safer Working Practice Guidelines can be read here.

Our Parish Statement of Safeguarding can be read here.

Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

If you are concerned that a child or an adult is, or may be, at risk of abuse this should be reported immediately (and certainly within 24 hours) to one of the Church Safeguarding Officers or the clergy listed below.

If it is a non-emergency situation you can report this either to one of the Safeguarding Officers (details below) and they will then contact the Diocese Safeguarding Officer and ensure that we respond appropriately.  We will do everything we can to support the person at risk.

If it is an emergency situation, and you believe the child or adult is in immediate danger of significant harm, then you should contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (details below) or call 999 before reporting it to one of the Parish Safeguarding Officers.

Safeguarding in the parish is everyone’s responsibility but it is overseen here by:

Rev Jonny Blair

If you have ANY concerns you can contact them confidentially by emailing [email protected]

Alternatively, you can contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer:

Katharine Scott 

You can contact the Parish Safeguarding Officer confidentially by emailing [email protected]

For safeguarding administrative matters contact Julia Gorrie – [email protected]

To report a safeguarding concern to the Diocese of Guildford, contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team – Monday to Friday between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm.

tel: 01483 790379

email: [email protected]

Please note messages are not routinely checked during evenings or weekends.

If you believe a child or adult is at immediate risk of harm,

please contact the police on 999.

Safeguarding in our Children and Youth groups

Throughout the work in our children’s groups we adhere to strict guidelines in order to ensure the children and youth in our care are kept safe and are treated equally and with awareness of individual needs.  This starts with the recruitment of volunteers for our children’s groups (all our children’s volunteers have a DBS check), and continues within the organisation of the groups.  All our volunteers receive safeguarding training, in order to ensure they are clear on the church’s expectations in their roles, how they are to act with the children and what to do if they have concerns. To get involved please click here.

Safeguarding Adults

We understand that adults sometimes need extra support and we work with many who are vulnerable due to their circumstances, their age or their health. Our Pastoral Assistant team, who all have a full DBS check and have taken the Diocese safeguarding training courses, visit and support many in our congregation for whom a friendly face and home assistance is helpful.

Safeguarding Review

The Church of England and Guildford Diocese is undertaking a past case review and is seeking information on persons, (alive or deceased), who have had or currently have a role in the Church, where concerns have been raised or allegations made regarding their behaviour toward a child or vulnerable adult.

If you are aware of any such case please contact Cathy Blair – [email protected]

All information will be treated confidentially.

Support Helplines

If you wish to speak with someone outside the church the following helplines will be of assistance.

Safe Spaces

This is an independent service supporting survivors of church-related abuse.

tel: 0300 303 1056 (answer phone available outside of opening times)

email: [email protected]

WebChat via the Safe Spaces website.

The Single Point of Access (SPA)

Children and Adult Services social workers. Direct information, advice and guidance about where and how to find the appropriate support for children and families.

tel: 0300 470 9100

email: (children) [email protected]

email: (adult) [email protected]

Domestic Abuse
Surrey – Your Sanctuary – tel: 01483 776822
24hr National Domestic Abuse Helpline – tel: 0808 2000 247
Deaf Hope (BSL) – text: 07970 350366

Childline – tel: 0800 1111

NSPCC – tel: 0808 800500 – email: [email protected]

NSPCC – sign video link – www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/contact-us 

Samaritans – tel: 116123 – email: [email protected]

Modern Day Slavery Helpline – tel: 0800 01210700

Mental Health Crisis Helpline – tel: 0300 5000 101
Open 5.00pm – 9.00am Monday to Friday 24 hours cover at weekends including Bank Holidays.
SMS texting facility for people who are deaf or hard of hearing: 07717 989024

Stop it Now! – tel: 0808 1000 900 email: www.stopitnow.org.uk