Procedure for Dealing with Safeguarding Allegations or Concerns

All Saints’ Highfield

Any allegation or concern regarding the abuse of a child or vulnerable adult must be treated seriously and reported as soon as possible. A concern can arise when you observe or suspect abusive behaviour, when an allegation is made or disclosed, or where there are indicators (signs and symptoms) of suspected abuse on the victim.

Here are details of the procedure:

If anyone is in immediate danger, call the police on 999 straight away.
If someone has concerns about the wellbeing of a child or vulnerable adult OR if they are concerned that something at church is not right please they should contact Emma Steane (Parish Safeguarding Officer) safeguarding@allsaintsheadington.org.uk.
The person with the concern/allegation should keep a note of when and where the incident(s) took place and the names of the people involved.
They should then relay the information to the Safeguarding Officer, describing exactly what was witnessed, just stating the facts.
The Safeguarding Officer will take notes of the conversation, recording the time and date of the meeting.
In less serious cases, e.g. unwelcome attention given towards someone of the opposite sex, the Safeguarding Officer, with advice from the vicar, will deal with the situation. Either the Safeguarding Officer or the vicar will arrange to meet the individual against whom an allegation has been made to make them aware that their behaviour has been noticed and is not acceptable. They will be asked to desist and offered help, if needed.
If it is unclear what the right course of action is, advice will be sought from the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer. The Safeguarding Officer or the vicar will then take action accordingly.
If the allegation is more serious it may be necessary to involve the police.
Whenever action is taken in the course of an investigation into a concern or allegation the Safeguarding Officer will keep a record of what has taken place, noting the time, place and who was involved.

This policy was approved by the PCC on 12/07/22

Planning your Visit

A Warm Welcome

We are a Church of England parish church in the central area of Headington, Oxford.

You can learn more about our beliefs and worship here.

Where and When?

We meet at All Saints church building (find us here) for our Sunday Service starting at 10:00am. When you arrive, you will be greeted by one of our welcomers who will give you a service booklet, a bulletin and a hymn book. There is no need to book.

What will happen?

Our worship is traditional, joyful and friendly. Hymns are accompanied by the organ and choir. The service lasts for about an hour.
You are welcome to join in as much as you like - or just listen quietly if you prefer.

We celebrate communion every week. All who profess belief in the Lord Jesus Christ and who have been baptised are warmly invited to participate with us in the Lord’s Supper.

What should I wear?

You will find people in t-shirts and jeans and others in suits and dresses. Come in whatever you find most comfortable.

Is the church accessible?

There is wheelchair access via ramp at the south door (on All Saints Road). We have a sound loop for anyone who needs it - please let one of the Welcome Team know on your arrival and they will help you to get set up.

Do you have toilets?

Yes! There is one toilet, fully accessible and with baby change facilities, downstairs.

What about children?

We welcome children at all our services and we encourage them to participate in our worship. There is a small Sunday School that usually meets in the side chapel. You can read more here. We also have a children's corner at the back where parents can take children when necessary and where the children can play during the after service refreshments.

Do you serve tea & coffee?

You are really welcome to stay for tea, coffee and biscuits after the 10am service.

Get in touch with us

If you would like to discuss your visit - or come and see the church beforehand - you are more than welcome! Get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you.

Name:

Telephone:

Email Address:
Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.

We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at our church.