Safeguarding
We take safeguarding very seriously at St Paul Old Ford. You can find information about safeguarding policy, contacts and other support below.
We take safeguarding very seriously at St Paul Old Ford. You can find information about safeguarding policy, contacts and other support below.
You can view our Safeguarding policy statement: here
Immediate danger
You should call 999 if a child or adult is in immediate danger of significant or serious harm.
Report safeguarding concerns to St Paul Old Ford
Our parish safeguarding officer is Jean Robinson. You can contact her at jean@stpauloldford.com
You can also contact our vicar, Rev Darius Weithers at darius@stpauloldford.com
Report safeguarding concerns to London Diocese
The Diocese has a safeguarding helpline. The diocesan safeguarding officer is Jo Bingham, who can be contacted on 0203 837 5084.
The safeguarding helpline is monitored by the Diocesan safeguarding team Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Thirtyone Eight
From 5pm to midnight on weekdays, and from 9am to midnight on weekends and bank holidays, please contact the thirtyone:eight helpline on 0303 003 1111 and select option 2.
Diocese of London safeguarding policy
You can find more information about safeguarding at the Safeguarding page on the diocese website.
Tower Hamlets council safeguarding support
Some local authority numbers you can call.
Tower Hamlets multi agency safeguarding hub (MASH): 020 7364 5601 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
Tower Hamlets out of hours number for children and adults: 020 7364 4079 (after 5pm on weekdays and any time on weekends or bank holidays).
Tower Hamlets child protection advice line: 020 7364 3444
Local authority designated officer (LADO) Melanie Benzie: 020 7364 0677 or 07903 238827
Tower Hamlets Connect social care information and advice for adults: 0300 303 6070
Other useful numbers
Childline: 800 1111
NSPCC national helpline: 0808 800 5000
Samaritans: 116 123
Family Lives: 0808 800 2222
Action on Elder Abuse: 080 8808 8141
Domestic Violence Helpline (for women and girls): 0808 2000 247
Mankind (for men and boys): 01273 911680
Stop It Now! (Lucy Faithfull Foundation): 0808 1000 900
St Paul Old Ford Safeguarding Policy Statement
The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 19th April 2026.
In accordance with the House of Bishops’ Policy Statements ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ (2017) and ‘Protecting All God’s Children’ (2010) and the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy ‘Promoting a Safer Diocese’ (2018) our church is committed to:
- Promoting a safer environment and culture.
- Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
- Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
- Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
- Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
- Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
The Parish will:
- Create a safe and caring place for all.
- Have a named Church Safeguarding Officer (CSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
- Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
- Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
- Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
- Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
- Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.
- Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
- Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
- Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually. - Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.