St John’s is committed to creating a safe place for everyone, of all ages, to worship God.
If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from a Safeguarding Advisor or if necessary report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Services or the Police without delay.
Our Commitments
Promoting a safer environment and culture
Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults
Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse or other affected persons
Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns/allegations of abuse and other affected persons
Responding to those that may pose a present risk
Local contacts available to speak to if you have any concerns:
Laura Chandler - Parish Safeguarding Officer
Revd. Susie Templeton - Minister
Local Contacts
Concerned about a child: Wokingham Referral & Assessment Team: 0118 908 8002 (our of hours: 01344 786 543)
For concern about a person working with children: Local Authority Designated Officer for Allegations (Wokingham B.C.) - 0118 974 6141, email LADO.
Concerned about the welfare of a vulnerable adult: 0300 365 1234
Diocesan Safeguarding Officer
Richard Woodley - Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor - 07391 868 478, email Richard.
Church of England Resources (click to read)
If there is immediate risk or danger please contact the Police on 999.
Other Agencies Helplines
NSPCC Child Protection: 0808 800 5000. Free calls & open 24hrs. Phone if you are worried about a child.
Childline: 0800 1111. Free calls & open 24hrs. Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
Stop It Now: 0808 1000 900. Free calls. Open Monday-Friday, hours vary. For anyone with concerns over child sexual abuse.
NAPAC: 0808 801 0331, Free calls. Open Monday-Friday, hours vary. Supporting recovery from childhood abuse.
Samaritans: 116 123. Free calls and open 24hrs. Phone if you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Family Lives: 0808 800 2222. Free calls. Open daily, hours vary. Help for wide range of family & parenting issues.
National Domestic Violence: 0808 2000 247. Free calls and open 24hrs. Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Action on Elder Abuse: 080 8808 8141. Free calls. Open Monday-Friday 9-5pm.
DBS Administration
Certain roles within the parish that involve working with vulnerable groups, including children, require the applicant/holder to have completed a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check before their appointment. This entails a criminal records check of police records, and a check against lists of ‘Barred’ persons. Persons involved in our Parish in the administration of these processes are:
DBS Verifier: Laura Chandler