Formal responsibility for safeguarding lies with our vicar, Charlie. We also have a Parish Safeguarding Coordinator, Chris Stotts, who was appointed by the PCC and who works closely with the clergy, churchwardens, Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, and statutory agencies where appropriate, to make sure that St Bartholomew’s is and remains a safe place for children and vulnerable adults.

The PCC of St Bartholomew’s, Edgbaston has adopted Promoting A Safer Church, the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policy, as its own policy, along with the House of Bishops’ practice guidance and the Diocese of Birmingham’s procedures for their implementation. Our safeguarding policy statement is available here. The House of Bishops’ policy in full is available here.

Concerns about children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable should be reported to either the vicar or the Parish Safeguarding Coordinator as soon as possible, and will always be dealt with quickly and sensitively. Concerns can also be reported to the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, Steph Haynes.

If the safeguarding concern is to do with the vicar or Parish Safeguarding Coordinator, you should speak directly to the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor.

In the event that there is an imminent risk of harm, you should contact the emergency services by dialling 999.