Safeguarding

Safeguarding information

Everyone at the Box River Benefice has a responsibility to keep our children, young people and adults safe and protected.

We follow the 6 safeguarding commitments of the Church of England. Find out more here

We have a Benefice Safeguarding Officer whose responsibilities include ensuring that everyone who has significant contact with children or vulnerable adults is properly checked and monitored. They can provide advise and guidance on any safeguarding related matter. Their details can be found on each of the church noticeboards.

Our parishes of Boxford, Edwardstone, Groton, Little Waldingfield and Newton are committed to safeguarding children, young people, and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Safeguarding Officer. Our Diocese of St. Edmundsbury & Ipswich’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer who advises our parish Safeguarding Officer. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm, please contact the parish Safeguarding Officer, Tom Bowen 07588 871220 or tom_le_mon@hotmail.com, or the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, Karen Galloway 07785 621319 or safeguarding@cofesuffolk.org. 

If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services. 

If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact our Benefice Safeguarding Officer. They can be contacted by email or phone:

Benefice Safeguarding Officer – Tom Bowen – tom_le_mon@hotmail.com, 07588 871220

The Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor – Karen Galloway – safeguarding@cofesuffolk.org, 07785 621319

General advice and guidance can be found on the Diocesan Website at https://www.cofesuffolk.org/for-parishes/promoting-a-safer-church/