The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 5th May 2019
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 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 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.
This church appoints Ms Catherine Wood QC as the Church Safeguarding Officer.
Incumbent: Rev Andrew Downes
Churchwardens: Mrs Karen Page & Mrs Ann Sinclair
Signed for and on behalf of St Mary’s, Sunbury-on-Thames,
Rev Andrew Downes, Vicar, May 2019
Catherine Wood QC Church Safeguarding Officer
Our Church Safeguarding Officer is the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or adult at risk.
You can contact her via the Parish Office on 01932 779431 or email [email protected]
Jessica Brown. Children’s Champion
The Children’s Champion is an advocate for all children in all areas of Parish life, making sure their views are heard and needs are thought of. Jessica can be contacted via the Parish Office on 01932 779431
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Diocese of London Safeguarding Team helpline: 020 7932 1224
NSPCC 24 hour helpline: 0800 731 9256
Thirtyone:eight helpline: 0303 003 11 11
Childline: 0800 1111