We take seriously the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. This page gives information and advice on what to do if you suspect abuse, and is particularly helpful if you are in a position of responsibility within the church.
You can download the Church of England’s policy document: Promoting a Safer Church (pdf)
What to do if…
You have concerns about possible abuse (including allegations):
• In an emergency, call emergency services 999.
• Otherwise, consult the person to whom you are responsible.
• Decide together whether to seek advice or to make an immediate referral to police or care services (see contact details below).
• Always contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser.
• Keep a record of what happened, your concerns and your actions.
• Tell your parish priest.
• Only tell others who need to know.
• Do not alert the alleged perpetrator.
A child, young person or adult wishes to disclose they have been abused:
• Listen. Keep listening. Do not question or investigate.
• Do not promise confidentiality; tell them we may need to share this.
• Assure them they are not to blame.
• Tell them what you are going to do and that they will be told what happens.
• Make careful notes of what is said, record dates, times, events and when you are told.
• Report it to the person to whom you are responsible and your priest or safeguarding representation.
• Only tell those who need to know.
Things to remember:
• Treat everyone with respect, setting a positive example for others.
• Respect personal space and privacy.
• Ensure any actions cannot be misrepresented by someone else.
• Challenge unacceptable behaviour.
• Do not put anyone, including yourself, in a vulnerable or compromising situation.
• Do not have inappropriate physical or verbal contact with others.
• You must not keep allegations or suspected abuse secret.
Further resources:
Ely Diocese Safeguarding webpages: www.elydiocese.org/safeguarding
Contact details
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Rebecca Boswell; [email protected]; 01353 652731
Diocesan Safeguarding Officer: Sarah King; [email protected]; 01353 652735
Your minister: Revd Jenny Hill: [email protected] 07970 949331
Parish Safeguarding Officer: Anne Valentine; 01954 230519
Local Council Protection Office:
• For children: Tel 0345 045 5203
• For adults: Tel 0345 045 5202
Police:
• Dial 101
• Dial 999 in an emergency
Helplines:
• ChildLine (support and advice for children):
www.childline.org.uk Tel: 0800 1111
• NSPCC (for adults worries about a child):
www.nspcc.org.uk Tel: 0808 800 5000
• Stop it Now / Lucy Faithfull Foundation (for an adult worried about their own behaviour or another’s behaviour towards children):
www.stopitnow.org.uk Tel: 0808 1000 900
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Photography
These guidelines apply for all images – whether photograph or video – and assume that the purpose of taking photographs in the name of the church is in order to publish some of them in one form or another.
1. We gain consent
For informal roaming photographs, a written notice that photographs will be taken will be displayed. This should be visible during an event and made clear on publicity as well. This notice will include
a) What the photographs will be used for
b) A way for people to opt out of being photographed at all.
If individuals are being photographed then written permission is needed. The permission form must specify what the photographs will be used for and how they will be stored. If the photographs include identifiable children or vulnerable adults then permission is required from parents/carers.
2. We store all images securely.
3. We delete photographs that are not going to be used for promotional purposes. Any photos that have not been used two years after being taken should be deleted.
4. We do not give identity labels when publishing photographs.
This policy is based on guidance available on the Ely Diocese website.
For advice on cyber bullying, you might find this blog helpful:
https://www.wizcase.com/blog/a-comprehensive-cyberbullying-guide-for-parents/