Holy Trinity, Crockham Hill Parish Safeguarding Policy Statement
Statement of Safeguarding Principles
The Parochial Church Council of Holy Trinity Church, Crockham Hill fully recognises and accepts the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy Statement “Making a Safer Church 2017”, and commits to complying with the current Church of England and Diocesan safeguarding policies and practice guidance. In so doing we will comply with the secular multi-agency safeguarding procedures relating to children and young people and adults experiencing or at risk of harm, abuse or neglect.
We are committed to:
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Promoting a Safer environment and culture within our Parish and in our Parish activities by adhering to safe working practices and acknowledge the principle that safeguarding is everyone’s business.
In addition we will ensure that any individual organisation using our premises for activities involving children, young people or vulnerable adults is aware of this and our Safeguarding Policy. We will also ensure that they are aware of their own individual responsibilities to have appropriate safeguarding policies and processes in place, including safer recruitment.
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Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibilities related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the Church in accordance with the House of Bishops’ Safer Recruitment: Practice Guidance 2016.
We will ensure those appointed are aware of the Diocesan and Parish Safeguarding Policies and are aware of their roles and responsibilities. We will support them by ensuring they receive Diocesan safeguarding training commensurate with their role and that they are fully aware of and have access to the practice guidance.
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Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation in accordance with the statutory child and adult safeguarding procedures and the House of Bishops’ safeguarding practice guidance.
We will ensure that any complaint made regarding a vulnerable person, who may have been harmed or is in significant danger, will be reported immediately and we will fully cooperate with statutory agencies during any investigation into allegations concerning a member of the church community or any other person.
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Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
We will seek to offer informed pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry that recognises the importance of understanding the needs of those who have been abused, including their feelings of alienation and/or isolation and provide them with details of local and national support agencies.
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Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
We will work with others to ensure the appropriate support for them and those affected. Where that person is considered to pose a risk to others, we will work with the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor to mitigate any identified risk.
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Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
We will endeavour to offer pastoral care and support whilst ensuring any risk has been assessed and is being managed in accordance with House of Bishops’ policy and guidance and in collaboration with the statutory agencies and the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor.
Safeguarding representative
We will ensure that there is an identified person to be the Parish Safeguarding Representative who will be suitably recruited and trained, and is aware of their role and responsibilities, and who will be the point of contact for any concerns.
We have appointed Mrs Jo Naismith as our Parish Safeguarding Representative.
Guidance
Copies of Diocesan and parish guidelines and procedures are held can be accessed at the back of Holy Trinity Church, via Rev’d Sue at the Vicarage and through Jo Naismith, Parish Safeguarding Officer on 01732 860148.
Review
The policy and this statement of safeguarding principles will be formally reviewed annually and a copy shared with the Archdeacon at the time of the Visitation.
Date of Adoption
The PCC of this Church agreed and adopted the above Statement at its meeting on 6thJune 2018
The PCC shall review this Statement annually. The next review will take place at the first PCC meeting following the APCM to be held on 9th April 2019.
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.
Local contacts for any concerns:
Children and Young Persons/Vulnerable Adults Advocates:
c/o Susan Cash 01732 866218 or cash_jocsrc@hotmail.co.uk
Parish Safeguarding Officer:
Jo Naismith jo.naismith@yahoo.com or 01732 860148
If there is an immediate risk or danger please contact the Police on 101
Helplines:
NSPCC 0808 800 5000
Childline 0800 1111
Stop It Now 0808 1000 900
NAPAC 0808 801 0331
Samaritans 116 123
Family Lives 0808 800 2222
National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247
Action on Elder Abuse 0808 808 8141