Safeguarding

Most of the time at church we are like a big happy family. However even in very happy families people can have a bad day and even people we know and trust can upset us. We want to help everyone have good days all of the time. We try to make sure that people who have jobs in the church always behave well and in a way that is helpful to you. We never want anyone or anything in church to frighten you, confuse you or worry you. It is important that you tell us if something is upsetting you or if you are feeling worried about something that's happening or something somebody is doing. We have specially trained people who you can talk to and who you can ask for help. These people are good at safeguarding. This means they look after everyone's safety. Caring for people is a very important part of our Christian life.

The people who can help you are the Staff team, the Rector or the Parish Safeguarding Officer. You can contact the Safeguarding Officer using the contact details below. If you wish to speak to someone outside the church you can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding team – their contact details are available via the safeguarding button on the bottom of the page. There is also information there about other places from where you can get help or advice.

Summary of our Policy

We are committed to respectful pastoral ministry to all within our church community.

We are committed, within our church community, to the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable people.

We will carefully select and train all those with any pastoral responsibility within the Church, including the use of Criminal Records Bureau disclosures where legal or appropriate.

We will respond without delay to any complaint made that an adult for whom we were responsible has been harmed, cooperating with police and the local authority in any investigation.

We will seek to offer informed pastoral care to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate healing ministry.

We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.

We will care for and supervise any member of our church community known to have offended against a vulnerable person.

Safeguarding Officer

Catherine Barlow, telephone 07801 282719,

e-mail: [email protected]