Parish Safeguarding Information

Parish Policy Statement on Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

In accordance with the House of Bishops’ Policy Statements Promoting a Safer Church (2017) and Protecting All God’s Children (2010) and the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy ‘Promoting a Safer Diocese’ (2018) our parishes are committed to:

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

The Parish will:

• Create a safe and caring place for all.
• Have a named Church Safeguarding Officer (CSO) 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 Bishop's 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.

Each person who works within the parish will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by the parish.

Signed:

Fr Stuart King SSC                                          Julie Bell, Luis Elias, Pauline Muldowney and Ian Spencer

Parish Priest                                                                                   Churchwardens

Date reviewed: 28/05/2024

Important Telephone Numbers

Diocesan Safeguarding Line: 020 1932 1224

CCPAS 24 hour helpline: 0845 120 4550  Family Lives: 0800 800 222    Childline: 0800 111