In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy 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 Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) 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 Officer 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.

· Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.

· All members of the PCC, Church Wardens and Church Leaders, including Sunday School teachers and Community volunteers, if used, are required to have a DBS check made. This will be renewed every three years in line with diocese guidelines. The DBS will be at the required level based on specifications aligned to level of care and work with vulnerable adults or children. It is expected that Church Wardens, Safeguarding Officers and Sunday School Teachers will be checked at the Enhanced Level, PCC members and Community Volunteers may only require Basic clearance, depending on their Church role and expected levels of involvement. These requirements will be viewed on a person and role specific review regularly. The Gov.uk site gives guidelines on DBS levels and requirements - Disclosure and Barring Service - GOV.UK

Current DBS checks for the Parish 2026-27 = 9 current DBS checks, all at Enhanced level.

· It is mandatory that all members of the PCC, Church Wardens and other Volunteers in positions within the Parish will complete the Diocese Safeguarding training via the Durham Diocese Training Portal. This must be completed to the expected level for their role. Church wardens, Safeguarding Officers and Sunday School Teachers will be expected to reach Leadership level, other Parish workers will be required to complete Basic and Intermediate levels. Link to the Portal or training here -Home | Safeguarding: Training Portal

Useful Links to Diocese Policies and Government Guidelines which should be read alongside this Church policy.

Diocese Safeguarding Policy- https://www.durhamdiocese.org/content/pages/documents/diocese-safeguarding-policy-2025-final31749965642.pdf

Diocese Safeguarding Guidelines for Children and Vulnerable Adults - Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults | The Church of England

Safeguarding Training Portal - Home | Safeguarding: Training Portal

Copy of the National Safeguarding Standards implemented and followed by the Diocese of Durham - National Safeguarding Standards | The Church of England

Government Guidelines on DBS levels required - Disclosure and Barring Service

Government Guidelines on Safeguarding Children - Working together to safeguard children 2026

Government Guidelines on Safeguarding for Vulnerable adults - ANNEX C: REVISED DRAFT OF STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT POLICY ON ADULT SAFEGUARDING v 3

Charities and agencies with useful support include –

Introduction to safeguarding and child protection training | NSPCC Learning

The Children's Society | UK children's charity

Abuse and neglect of adults at risk (safeguarding) - Social care and support guide - NHS

Concerned about someone - report neglect or abuse - Durham County Council

Financial Abuse of Adults Guide | The Safeguard Hub

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 Jacqueline Guthrie as the Parish Safeguarding Officer - Phone 07817541523 or email: [email protected]

Incumbent: This church is in vacancy - Contact the Area Dean Keith Freeman  telephone  07591 864517 or email:  [email protected]

Churchwarden: Malcolm Lumley 01207 560233

Date: 16th September 2026

Durham Diocesan Safeguarding Officer: Beth Miller (07968034075)

E-mail [email protected]

Web link: https://durhamdiocese.org/safeguarding-abuse-concerns

Local Authority Social Services: 0845 505010

If there is an immediate risk or danger contact the police on 101.

Further Information and Diocesan Safeguarding Contacts:

http://durhamdiocese.org/safeguarding-abuse-concerns

Or use the "Safeguarding" link at the foot of the website page, entering your location or clicking on "Durham."

Please click on the file to access the Diocese of Durham Safeguarding policy.