Safeguarding
What to do if you have a safeguarding concernIf someone is in immediate danger:If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger, or requires immediate medical attention, call emergency services on 999.If there is no risk of immediate harm:If you do not think there is a risk of immediate harm, you must speak to an official about your concern as soon as possible. When first reporting a concern, please be sure to make contact using the information shown here.
When should I contact the diocesan safeguarding team? (click here)
A referral to the diocesan safeguarding team must be made about any case where a child or vulnerable adult appears to be at risk or where an adult appears to present a risk. The diocesan safeguarding team must also be informed straight away of any safeguarding concerns involving a church officer. A church officer is anyone appointed/elected by or on behalf of the Church to a post or role, whether they are ordained or lay, paid or unpaid. Speed of response
The diocesan safeguarding team are committed to responding to safeguarding concerns, providing advice if you are not sure what to do, and supporting survivors in an efficient and effective way. We are not able to offer an emergency or 24-hour response. The team aim to acknowledge receipt of all referrals within 48 hours. A team member will contact the referrer, in accordance with case prioritisation, to discuss the referral further. Meet our safeguarding team
Louise WhiteheadHead of Safeguarding07391 868 478 Louise joined the diocese in 2022 and brings experience and expertise from working in children and young people’s social work practice and management for Oxfordshire County Council. Louise qualified as a social worker in 2014. She has been involved in management, training and promoting best practice within the local authority. Prior to this, Louise worked in international development and completed doctoral research at Oxford Brookes while living in Cambodia. Emma HooperSafeguarding Casework Officer for Buckinghamshire07435 550 685 Emma joined the team in May 2020. Previously, Emma was employed as the County Council strategic lead for Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery, FGM and honour-based crime. Emma has 20 years' experience working in a number of safeguarding roles for criminal justice and local authority agencies. Her work has included facilitating interventions with those who have complex needs including mental health, substance misuse and adverse childhood experiences. Erica HeggSafeguarding Casework Officer for Oxford and Dorchester07341 866 832 Erica has been employed by the diocese since April 2021. Erica served with Wiltshire Police as a detective constable, specialising in child sexual exploitation. Erica has experience of investigating serious and complex crime, skilled in public protection (child sexual exploitation, domestic abuse, vulnerable adults and management of sex offenders). She worked in a multi-agency environment with children services, probation, education, NHS and HM prison. Rebecca KilpatrickSafeguarding Casework Officer for Berkshire07443 700 159 Rebecca has been employed by the diocese since January 2021. Becca served as Detective Constable for Surrey Police in the child abuse team before retraining with the NSPCC as a child protection trainer. Rebecca went on to set up her own company Kilpatrick Training & Consultancy Ltd, where she offered training in safeguarding, mental health, cyber safety, domestic abuse and investigative interviewing of a children. Rebecca is currently in her 3rd year studying to be a psychodynamic counsellor/therapist. Rebecca Norris-BulpittSafeguarding Training & Policy Adviser01865 587 041 Rebecca joined us in 2017. Rebecca has volunteered on a Rape Crisis Helpline, providing emotional support and information to those who have experienced rape or sexual assault. Rebecca previously worked at an adult hospice as Head of Voluntary Services, managing the transport and complementary therapy teams and delivering training to equip participants to undertake their role effectively within a palliative and end-of-life care environment. Linda CarpenterSafeguarding Training & DBS Administrator01865 208 267 Linda joined the team in January 2018, previously working as a classroom assistant supporting pupils with additional needs and later as the Business Manager of a primary school. Linda has a good understanding of the need for robust safeguarding procedures and training, central to protecting children and supporting those working in this environment. Linda has also been appointed as parish representative to the Deanery Synod. Rowan LakeHR and Safeguarding Administrator01865 208 295 Rowan joined the HR and Safeguarding team in March 2021. Rowan worked as a brokerage officer for Oxfordshire County Council’s Children’s Service, negotiating placements for Oxfordshire’s looked-after children. Rowan also worked for Oxfordshire County Council, providing administrative support to senior management within the Children’s Service. Rowan has worked within the NHS as a GP administrator and has also worked for Thames Valley Police as a 999/101 call taker. Poli ShajkoDirector of Human Resources and Safeguarding01865 208 770 Poli leads the development and implementation of the diocesan HR and Safeguarding strategy for both clergy and employees. Poli is a Chartered Fellow of CIPD, supported by an MA in Human Resource Management. What if I'm not happy
If you are not satisfied with the service you have received as a result of the diocese handling a safeguarding concern or allegation, you should follow the Safeguarding Complaints Policy and Procedure and/or refer to the When Things Go Wrong leaflet summarising the process.
What does the diocesan safeguarding team do?
We offer advice, support and guidance to anyone in the diocese about all aspects of safeguarding. This may include:
Key facts about safeguarding in the Diocese of Oxford
We have:
There is always more to be done. We see learning as central to the culture of a safe church. Find out more about the work of our independent safeguarding panel. Safeguarding newsletters
Our newsletter brings together the latest safeguarding information from across the diocese so we can better protect children and vulnerable adults involved in the life of the Church.
How to contact the National Safeguarding Team (NST)
If you wish to report any safeguarding concerns directly to the National Safeguarding Team at Church House Westminster, please email safeguarding@churchofengland.org.
Further safeguarding resources and information...Finding supportSupport options available across the Thames Valley. Parish safeguardingSafeguarding information for parishes, including the parish dashboard and local parish officer list. Safeguarding trainingSafeguarding training dates and booking information. Complaints & whistleblowingGuidance on complaints and whistleblowing procedures. Safer recruitment & DBSResources and information relating to Safer Recruitment and DBS. Safeguarding panelInformation on the diocesan safeguarding panel and their work. Templates & resourcesTemplates and resources for parish safeguarding. Learning reviewsThe use and purpose of safeguarding learning reviews in the Diocese of Oxford. Past cases review 2About the PCR2 review process and key contacts. |