The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 12/02/2024

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 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 Adviser 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.

IF YOU ARE CONCERNED that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from a safeguarding adviser or if necessary report the matter to the local authority social care services or the police without delay.

The Parish Safeguarding Officer for the benefice of Gamlingay with Hatley and Everton is Jane Orchiston – tel. 07535 005 908, email [email protected].

The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser is Rebecca Boswell – tel. 01353 652 747, email: [email protected].

Local authority services
-- Children, tel. 03450 455 203
-- Adults, tel. 03450 455 202
-- Children and adults out of hours, tel. 01733 234 724

Call 999 if a child or adult is in immediate danger of significant or serious harm.

Other helplines:

NSPCC – 0808 800 5000
Childline – 0800 1111

NAPAC – 0808 801 0331
Samaritans – 116 123

Family Lives – 0808 800 2222
National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247

Action On Elder Abuse – 080 8808 8141
NSPCC – 0808 800 5000

Stop It Now – 0808 1000 900

Full details of the Church of England's safeguarding policy statement can be found in "Promoting a safer church" available below.
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Promoting a safer church