As Golders Green United Synagogue’s (GGS) Community Safeguarding Coordinator, Rachel Clark plays an important role in helping ensure that the shul is a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
Rachel previously spent 20 years working in primary school education, and has since supported children with special educational needs in the community and worked with the Barnet Inclusion Advisory Team, with safeguarding forming a significant part of each role.
Rachel was approached by the shul executive to take on the role of Community Safeguarding Coordinator (CSC). Her background in safeguarding as well as already being involved with the welfare team and coordinating the shul meal rota meant that this was a natural fit for her. She has now been the CSC for a year and a half.
Rachel’s main responsibility is to provide a point of contact for anyone in the GGS community who has a concern about themselves or someone else.
“It could be anyone in the community – a child or an adult. My role is to listen to the concern, pass it on to the United Synagogue safeguarding team and then follow up on any actions that come from that referral,” Rachel explains.
Concerns can take many different forms. Someone might be worried about an elderly member of the community who is isolated, lonely or struggling to look after themselves. There may be concerns around domestic abuse, or a family may need support in understanding how best to help a child with special educational needs.
“I think that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. This is a way to help bring that philosophy to the community, and it’s good to feel that you’re giving back. GGS has a fantastic welfare team, and it’s really rewarding to be a part of that,” Rachel says.
