Safeguarding

We are fully compliant with both the Church of England and Diocese of Durham Safeguarding policies. Please find our Safeguarding statement and policy below.

If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer, by emailing [email protected].

Other safeguarding contacts:

Kathrine Batty - safeguarding officer

Telephone: 07836796374 or Email [email protected]

Diocesan Safeguarding Officer Beth Miller

Telephone: 07968 034075 or Email at [email protected] or [email protected]

Local Authority Adult 01429 523390

Local Authority Children 01429 284284

Local Authority Out of Hours 08702 402994

The Diocese of Durham 

 St Aidan and St Columba, Hartlepool 

 A member of the Central Hartlepool Group Ministry 

 SAFEGUARDING POLICY PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH 

 The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on June 8th 2021 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, which should be brought to the attention of the incumbent and/or the safeguarding officer in an equally timely manner. 

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 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 Kathrine Batty as the Parish Safeguarding Officer