"Safeguarding" can seem like a bureaucratic term nowadays, but it is in fact at the heart of the life of the Church, which has for centuries aspired to be a place of refuge and, indeed, of salvation. The exposed wooden ceiling of many churches is intended to resemble the hull of a boat: even an ark that, in the book of Genesis, kept Noah and his family safe from harm. The word "nave" that refers to the part of the church where the congregation is, is from the Latin "navis", meaning "ship". One of the most striking images that Jesus uses of himself is of a Mother Hen sheltering her children under her wings. Over and over again in the Bible, God expresses special concern for the vulnerable, including for children and elderly people. The Church's work of safeguarding is an expression of this divine concern.
Tragically and outrageously, the Church has not always lived up to its call to be a place of refuge: there have been grave abuses of power, not least by the clergy, for which the Church must repent. In recent decades, the Church of England has sought to make amends for the horrors that have been perpetrated within its walls and especially by its trusted ministers. Among this work is pastoral care for victims and survivors of abuse, and also reform of processes, structures, and policies to do with safeguarding. This work is on-going.
Here at St Mary Magdalen’s, we join in with the rest of the Church in our commitment to being a safe place for all people, where they can flourish as children of God. Safeguarding is a top priority for us here. On this page, you will find links to information about what to do if you suspect or witness anything concerning, or have experienced any abuse yourselves.
While much of the focus has been on the safety of children, we must remember that adults can be vulnerable too, whether to physical, sexual, psychological, or spiritual abuse and harassment. Abuse and harassment are not always overt, not always clearly visible or identifiable. It is really not a bad indication that something might be wrong if we feel unsafe, or if we feel that someone else might be unsafe—and if so, do seek advice and help.
If you personally experience or witness any abuse you should report it immediately. The police can be contacted via the emergency number 999 or the non-emergency number 101. Please do not hesitate to call these numbers.
Other concerning behaviour (e.g., emotional abuse, neglect) should be reported to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) at 0345 050 7666 (Monday-Thursday 8:30am–5pm, Friday 8:30am–4pm) or the Emergency Duty Team out of hours at 0800 833 408.
If you have any concerns about safeguarding, no matter how seemingly minor, no matter who it involves, whether child or adult, you may also contact the Parish Safeguarding Officers for St Mary Magdalen’s are Frankie Holloway and Henry Jestico. You may do so using this button below or via safeguarding@stmarymagdalenoxford.org.uk which goes directly to the Parish Safeguarding Officer (and not, e.g., the priest). You may also contact the Safeguarding team (or any of the clergy) if you are unsure if some behaviour you witness of experience should be concerning.
We recommend that you also follow-up on your report. Appropriate follow-up times will vary depending on context, but it would be rarely appropriate to wait any longer than a month. If you require assistance of any kind to lodge a report, please contact the Safeguarding Officers.
The Diocese of Oxford website also provides more guidance. You will also find there contact details for the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, including the Safeguarding Adviser and the Head of Safeguarding.
Please find St Mary Magdalen’s Safeguarding Policy here.
Please also find our Children’s Policy here.
Here also are two foundational documents from the Church of England about safeguarding, its theology and practice.