Safeguarding at St. Martin's

We want St. Martin's to be a welcoming and safe place for everyone. In particular we put an incredibly high value on the safety of our children and young people. As such all our volunteers are interviewed and DBS checked before being appointed.

Any ministry among young people is working towards keeping children and young people safe and sound. With this in mind we have appointed Jacqui Allan as our Parish Safeguarding Coordinator and Disclosure Officer. Her role includes looking out for those at St. Martin's who may need support. She is also available to speak to about any issues or concerns you may have. 

Parish Safeguarding Policy Statement 

The Parochial Church Council of the Parish of St. Martin's has adopted the safeguarding policies and procedures of the Church of England. In particular we are committed to:

- the safeguarding of all children, young people and vulnerable adults

- carefully selecting and training paid and voluntary staff who might come into contact with children or vulnerable adults, using the Disclosure and Barring Service amongst other tools, to check their suitability

- responding without delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed

- co-operating fully with the police, local authority and any other appropriate statutory body in any investigation

- ministering appropriately to anyone, child or adult, who has experienced abuse

- extending pastoral care to those known to have offended against children or vulnerable adults whilst ensuring that children and vulnerable adults are protected from them

The following people have been appointed to support and promote our safeguarding practices and policies:

Parish Safeguarding Coordinator                      Ben Harding    contact on  07443 647969

Parish Safeguarding Coordinator                      Jacqui Knight    contact on  07918 128619

Parish Disclosures Officer                                  Mandy Insole    contact on  01304 206015

Updated November 2024

A PDF copy of the signed Parish Safeguarding Policy Statement can be found here.

Our Parish Safeguarding Coordinator is available to speak with adults or children.

Additional information

Canterbury Diocese Safeguarding Information is online, and available here.

Child Protection policy

In Matthew Chapter 19, Jesus said: If anyone causes one of these little ones – those who believe in me - to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were drowned in the depths of the sea.


The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Martin, Dover recognises the importance of its ministry to children and young people and its responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of children and young people entrusted to the church’s care.

As part of its mission, the Church is committed to:

• Valuing, listening to and respecting children and young people as well as promoting their welfare and protection.
• Safe recruitment, supervision and training for all the children’s/youth workers within the Church.
• Adopting a procedure for dealing with concerns about possible abuse.
• Encouraging and supporting parents/carers.
• Supporting those affected by abuse in the church.
• Maintaining good links with the statutory childcare authorities and other organisations.

The full policy can be found here

 Any child wishing to talk about a problem can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or online at www.childline.org.uk

Any parent or carer wishing to talk about parenting problems can contact Family Lives on 0808 800 2222 or online at www.familylives.org.uk

    Let’s talk  PANTS !
NSPCC’s “Talk PANTS” video teaches children important messages, like their body belongs to them and they should tell an adult if they’re upset or worried.