OUR POLICY STATEMENT ON SAFEGUARDING

It is the responsibility of all members of the parish of Christ Church with St Mary’s to give paramount importance to the nurture and care of children, young people and vulnerable adults, in a safe and secure environment. It is about preventing harm to children and adults wherever possible.

We recognise that:

• The welfare of the child, young person or vulnerable adult is paramount.

• Everyone has different levels of vulnerability and each of us may be regarded as vulnerable at some time in our lives

• All children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable (regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation) have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse which can occur in all families and communities.

• Working in partnership with children, young people, vulnerable adults and their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting their welfare. 

We will develop a culture in our church that:

• Enables a safe and caring community to provide a loving environment where there is a culture of ‘informed vigilance’ as to the dangers of abuse.

• Enables and encourages concerns to be raised and responded to openly and consistently and protects children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable from actual or potential harm.

• Ensures all people feel welcomed, respected and safe from abuse.

• Values, listens to and respects children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable, encouraging them to be active contributors to the church community.

• Encourages adults who may be vulnerable to lead as independent a life as possible.

When concerns are raised we will:

• Respond without delay to every concern raised that a child, young person or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, or may be at risk of harm, through abuse or neglect.

• Work with police, local authority and other partners in any investigation, including where allegations are made against a member of the Church community.

• Challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.

If abuse has occurred we will ensure:

• Informed and appropriate pastoral care is offered to any child, young person or adult who has suffered abuse, including support to make a complaint if so desired.

• Supervision is provided for any member of the Church Community known to pose a risk of harm to others.

• Appropriate pastoral care is provided to any member of our church against whom an allegation is made.

In all recruitment we will:

• Carefully select those with any responsibility within the Church (including voluntary workers) in line with the Church of England Safer Recruitment and people management Practice Guidance, 20211 (See parish of Christ Church with St Mary’s Safer Recruitment Guidelines) and provide ongoing supervision, support and training.

In our publicity we will:

• Share information about good safeguarding practice with children, young people and vulnerable adults, their parents, carers and all those working and worshipping with them.

• Where the Parish has a website we will ensure there is clear information available regarding our safeguarding arrangements, including a copy of the Parish Safeguarding Policy and other relevant information.

3. NOMINATED FIRST CONTACT FOR SAFEGUARDING ISSUES

A named person (or persons) will be available to children, young people and vulnerable adults to talk to if they feel they have been abused in any way.

Christ Church and St. Mary’s appoints Sue Jones (Mob 07884 356915) or you can call Childline on 0800 1111 anytime

This person has been given guidelines on how she should respond to a child or young person’s disclosure. Contact will be by telephone ONLY. Her telephone number will be displayed on a poster in the church with the message:

‘Want someone to talk to?

Sue Jones. (Mob 07884 356915) or you can call Childline on 0800 1111 anytime

When there is a membership or joining form for an activity involving children, young people or vulnerable adults, then the above contact information will be displayed on that. The number of Childline will also be displayed 0800 1111

All workers/helper/leaders must know the contact name and telephone number.

The contact person must be consulted annually for their comments and to check on continued activity.

Christ Church and St Mary’s also appoints Nitin Shinde as our adviser on vulnerable people.

You can read and download our full Safeguarding Policy at the link below...