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Support: Emergencies

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Safeguarding concerns

Any concerns in the Diocese should be brought to the attention of the Church Safeguarding Officer (parishes) who can seek advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. Other areas of the Diocese (e.g. chaplaincies) should contact the DST directly. Out of hours advice can be sought from the CCPAS’s helpline on 0845 120 4550. You will be able to get confidential advice, guidance and support.

The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser can be reached on 020 7932 1224.

For details, see our Safeguarding page, or our Safeguarding policy document, ‘Safeguarding in the Diocese of London‘.


Clergy Safety

The Diocese of London is committed to providing a safe working environment for clergy and accredited lay workers and to equipping them to minister safely. In the event of any incident involving verbal abuse, threats or actual violence to a priest, deacon or a member of their household, they should contact their Area Dean or Archdeacon immediately; they will provide immediate practical and pastoral assistance.

This article gives advice on personal safety and on reporting incidents. Be aware that reporting even a minor incident may help to protect your colleagues and their families in the future.


Responding to major incidents

In the event of a major incident, overall we are bidden to be alert but not alarmed, and to be vigilant. Read our advice on how to prepare for major incidents and what to do on the day, as churches are called on to be places of shelter, hospitality and humanitarian assistance.


Emergency works to church buildings

Emergency situations may include:

  • Any matter putting the health and safety of church members or members of the public at risk, e.g. faulty wiring, trip hazards, falling masonry, dangerous tree branches.
  • Any matter putting the church building or contents at imminent risk, e.g. metal theft
  • The installation of an alarm/camera/lighting system in cases where there is a demonstrable security threat
  • Works to repair or replace broken heating systems during the heating season

This article gives details on disaster recovery.


Emergency works to clergy housing

Emergency works are those which must be carried out within 48 hours such as blocked drains, gas leaks, re-glazing and securing a property after a break-in, leaking pipes or water penetration. Where possible the staff of the Residential Property Team should be informed of the problem and their instructions and advice sought before work is carried out and, in any case, as soon as possible during office hours.


Media enquiries

If the media enquiry is about a controversial issue, it is recommended that you contact the Diocese of London media helpline, available 24 hours a day as necessary.

Diocese of London media helpline
020 7618 9106
dioceseoflondon@nullluther.co.uk.

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