Safeguarding
St. Mark’s Church, Wyke
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
The safeguarding of children, young people, and vulnerable adults is central to our faith and an integral part of our Christian life at St. Mark’s Church, Wyke. We are committed to ensuring that our church remains a safe place for all, and we take safeguarding very seriously.
St. Mark’s adheres to the safeguarding policies of the Church of England and the Guildford Diocese. We follow best practices to protect everyone within our church community, ensuring a culture of safety, vigilance, and responsibility.
We are committed to
At St. Mark’s, we are dedicated to:
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Promoting a safer environment and culture within our church community.
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Safely recruiting and supporting all individuals with responsibilities related to children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
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Responding promptly to all safeguarding concerns or allegations.
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Providing pastoral care and support for victims and survivors of abuse, as well as others affected.
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Offering pastoral care and appropriate support for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations.
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Responding to any individuals who may pose a present risk to others.
Contact us for safeguarding
If you have any safeguarding concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the appropriate contacts:
Parish Safeguarding Officer
Email: safeguarding@stmarkswyke.org.uk
Diocesan Head of Safeguarding/Safeguarding Caseworker
Email: safeguarding@cofeguildford.org.uk
Telephone: 01483 790379
For more information, please refer to the safeguarding policies of the Church of England and the Diocese of Guildford:
Safe Social Media Practices
At St. Mark’s, we recognise the importance of social media in engaging with our congregation and wider community. We are committed to safe and responsible use of social media and adhere to the Church of England’s Social Media Guidelines.
If you have any concerns about social media use within our church community, please contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer.
Creating an Inclusive and Safe Space
St. Mark’s is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for all. We strive to make our church welcoming and accessible to individuals with diverse needs. We are continuously working to enhance our facilities and support services to ensure that everyone feels safe, valued, and included.
If you have concerns about an individual’s physical, sexual, or emotional well-being, please report it to our Safeguarding Officer or the Guildford Diocese Safeguarding Team. All matters will be handled with confidentiality, and we will liaise with external authorities, such as the police or social services, only when necessary to protect those at risk.
Our Safeguarding Policy is displayed within the church and provides detailed guidance on our procedures and commitments. We encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with our policies and reach out if they have any concerns or questions.
At St. Mark’s, safeguarding is not just a policy—it is a fundamental expression of our faith, love, and responsibility for one another.