SAFEGUARDING

Promoting a safer church

The care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of the Church.

Our commitments:

Promoting a safer environment and culture.
Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults.
Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse or other affected persons.
Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns/allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
Responding to those that may pose a present risk.

Each Parish in our Benefice 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.

If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from your Parish Safeguarding Officer (details below) or if necessary report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Services or the Police without delay.

IF THERE IS IMMEDIATE RISK OR DANGER PLEASE CONTACT THE POLICE ON 999