Safeguarding
Parish of St Mary’s, Stapleton
Parish Policy for Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults:
The Parish of St Mary’s, Stapleton approved this policy at the Parochial Church Council meeting held on 1st May 2024
The parish of St Mary’s, Stapleton has adopted the Safeguarding Policies & Guidance of the Church of England and the Carlisle Diocesan Safeguarding Policy .
Ethos Statement
The teaching of Christ establishes the special significance of every human being and especially the central place of children in the sight of God. Our church is committed to fulfil His law of love and to provide for the safety, wellbeing and proper development of all children, young people and vulnerable adults in our care.
We will also properly equip and support those adults who work with and relate to them.
Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO)
The PCC has appointed a PSO who will ensure the implementation of this policy and the diocesan policy for Safeguarding, and make regular reports to the PCC and to the APCM.
The person appointed is Tricia Coombe
Damhead, Roweltown, Carlisle CA6 6LQ
016977 48833
Health and Safety Assessment
The PCC will ensure that an annual assessment takes place to ensure that every activity which it organises for children or vulnerable adults, on or off the premises, will provide proper safeguards to protect them from harm. The assessment will consider the premises, activities, procedures, equipment, staffing and all other issues which may affect the potential safety of staff and users. The PCC will require all workers to re-fresh their understanding of the diocesan Code of Conduct and Practice.
The PCC requires that every other organisation which uses its premises will regularly conduct a similar assessment.
Insurance
The PCC will ensure that appropriate insurance (and third party liability) cover exists for all participants in the activities that it organises. Details of the policies and the cover they provide are held by The Treasurer
The PCC requires that any individual or organisation using its premises will also provide adequate insurance cover.
Allegations of Abuse
Allegations against anyone who attends any church activity will be fully and honestly dealt with. The Diocesan procedures will be followed and all allegations will be taken seriously and recorded. The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (and in an emergency, Children’s Social Care, Adult Social Services or Police) will be contacted without delay, and all information will be shared.
Disclosures
Any person who makes a disclosure or allegation of abuse will be sensitively and appropriately dealt with, following the Diocese. Any adult to whom a disclosure is made will contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and will follow his/her advice.
Suspicions
Any member of the Church who suspects that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused in any way whatsoever will immediately contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and follow his/her advice.
Confidentiality
Confidential information concerning any adult or child will be fully protected .
Complaints
Any complaint against any member of the Church will be dealt with in accordance to the Diocese’s current complaints procedure. If a complaint relates to the treatment of children or vulnerable adults, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser will be informed immediately.
Monitoring & Review
This policy will be reviewed annually as part of the PSO’s preparation for the annual report to the PCC. Archdeacons will discuss it every three years with parishes at their Visitations.
Incumbent ...... .Rev’d Robert Brown …………………………………
Churchwarden ......Tricia Coombe …………………………………
Churchwarden Margaret Story ………………………………….
Date 1st May 2024
Adult Social Care operating hours
Please contact your local Adult Social Care office at the following times: Monday to Thursday: 9am to 5pm Friday: 9am to 4.30pm
Tel: 0300 373 3732
At all other times (including bank holidays) please contact the Emergency Duty Team on 01228 526690.
What to do if you have a serious concern about a child or young person when the children’s services offices are closed?
(i.e Weekends, Bank Holidays, and between 5pm [4.30pm on Fridays] and 8am during the week).
If you believe them to be at risk of immediate danger call the Police 999 telephone number.
If you believe there is a safeguarding concern which requires a social work response out of hours call the Emergency Duty Team (EDT) on 01228 526690.
If the duty worker is already responding to a call there is a message facility allowing the caller to invite a call back by leaving their details and a brief summary of their concern.
During busy periods, calls will sometimes have to be prioritised according to needs and council thresholds.
The EDT is a small team of social workers who
work shifts; this means that there are only one or two social workers on call
to cover the entire county. We are therefore only able to respond to Emergency
situations which cannot wait until the next working day.