HTB Safeguarding

At HTB we take our safeguarding responsibilities very seriously and are committed to making HTB a safe space and to dealing openly and transparently with any issues raised. Our Safeguarding page sets out our approach to safeguarding and the policies and structures in place. If you wish to speak to someone or report anything that may be a concern then we encourage you to do so via one of the routes set out below.

HTB Safeguarding contact

HTB has appointed Andy Goodwin as our Safeguarding Advisor and Emma Watson as our Church Safeguarding Officer (CSO).

Our Safeguarding Advisor is the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult.

Safeguarding Advisor:
Andy Goodwin


Contact reception@htb.org to reach Emma Watson (Church Safeguarding Officer), Angus Winther (Church Warden), or Dr Omowunmi Akindolie (Church Warden).

Contacts outside of HTB

If you would prefer to speak with someone outside of HTB:
London Diocesan Safeguarding Officer:

020 7932 122

If you would prefer to speak with the Church of England’s National Safeguarding team:
Email: safeguarding@churchofengland.org

Alternative contact details
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 
Childline: 0800 1111 
Stop It Now: 0808 1000 900 
NAPAC: 0808 801 0331 
Samaritans: 116 123 
Family Lives: 0808 800 2222 
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 
Action on Elder Abuse: 080 8808 8141 

We’d also like to really recommend Safe Spaces. Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service for anyone who has experienced abuse in relation to the Church of England, the Church in Wales, or the Catholic Church of England and Wales. You can contact the Safe Spaces team through their helpline (0300 303 1056), their live chat facility or by emailing safespaces@firstlight.org.uk.

If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You do not have to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church. Your information will not be shared without your consent unless you or someone else is in immediate danger.

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)

HTB 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 Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) 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.

Further guidance can be found in the National Church’s Safeguarding Policies and Practice Guidance.

The National Church’s Parish Safeguarding Handbook provides further advice on responding to concerns.