SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT - JULY 2024
The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 15 July 2024.
Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. This implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm. 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.
In accordance with the House of Bishops’ Policy Statements ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ (2017) and ‘Protecting All God’s Children’ 4th edition (2010) and the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy ‘Promoting a Safer Diocese’ (2018) 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.
We 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 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.
We have appointed Maggie Barnes as our Church Safeguarding Officer (CSO) and Karen Fox as our Children’s Champion. Our Safeguarding Officer is the first person to speak to, if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult. The Children’s Champion is here to be an advocate for all children in all areas of church life, making sure their views are heard and their needs are thought of.
Copies of “Safeguarding in the Diocese of London” and any parish guidelines and procedures are held by: our Safeguarding Officer, Children’s Champion and Vicar.
The PCC shall review this policy annually. The next review will take place at the first full PCC meeting following the Annual Parochial Church Meeting to be held on 11th May 2025.
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