The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 22/11/2021
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is 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 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.
- Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.
- This church appoints Pauline Hollington as the Parish Safeguarding Officer
Contact via email: sbsapsc@gmx.co.uk or mobile: 07881 911107
Incumbent (Vicar) Rev Preb Ben Whitmore.
ChurchwardensAnne Edwards & Catherine Pugh
Diocesan Contacts:-
Senior Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor and Team Leader - Neil Spiring Tel: 01543 306030 or Email
Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser - Linda Clifford-Hayes Tel: 01543 622432 or Email
Diocesan Advisor for the Safeguarding of Children – Kim Hodgkins Tel: 01543 306099 or Email