Safeguarding

SAFEGUARDING

In the first instance please visit https://www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/promoting-safer-church-safeguarding for the Church of England's work on Promoting a Safer Church and https://www.churchofengland.org/more/safeguarding/diocesan-safeguarding-contacts for Diocesan Safeguarding Contacts - please note that St Peter’s church, Guernsey is officially part of the Diocese of Winchester but that our Safeguarding is carried out by the Diocese of Canterbury's Safeguarding Advisers.

We take seriously our responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults entrusted to our care and have a Safeguarding Officer and Safeguarding Policy that we work to.

We aim to provide a safe and caring environment for all we come into contact with particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We are committed to the implementation of the Parish Safeguarding Handbook Policyand the relevant statutory legislation and guidance for the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We will ensure that all those who are authorised to work with vulnerable groups are appointed according to diocesan safer recruitment guidelines. We will exercise proper care in selection, appointment, training and support including the use of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

We will respond without delay to concerns or allegations that a child or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and social services in any investigation.

We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in authority.

We will have internal processes in place to support proper reporting of concerns, and ensure that staff and volunteers are aware of what to do if they have a concern.

We will seek to offer pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them appropriate pastoral support.

We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church.

Our Safeguarding Officer, Martin Cordall (01481) 265577, is the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or adult with vulnerability.

Our church wardens are Teresa Holden and Chris Atkinson. Please follow link https://www.stpeterschurchguernsey.co.uk/27/homewelcomeour-people  for their contact information.

CANTERBURY DIOCESAN SAFEGUARDING ADVISERS

In ensuring high standards of practice in safeguarding, we are supported by the Diocese of Canterbury's safeguarding team, who work closely with the Guernsey Police and specialist staff of the States of Guernsey Committee for Health and Social Care.

The Safeguarding Advisers are qualified and experienced social care practitioners who can provide advice and guidance to parishes and others in the diocese on child and adult protection. They can offer advice, discuss any protection matters and clarify anything in the National Guidelines. They are always ready to work with you to plan a detailed response to any protection issue, taking into account all aspects of your particular situation. Please do not hesitate to contact them; they are always very ready to help.

Fiona Coombs: 07548 232395 - [email protected]

Paul Brightwell: 07398 009951 - [email protected]

FURTHER INFORMATION

More information about the Church of England's commitment to safeguarding can be found at https://www.churchofengland.org/clergy-office-holders/safeguarding-children-vulnerable-adults.aspx

For information about the Guernsey Police Public Protection Unit, http://www.guernsey.police.uk/PPU

<span style="font-size: 1rem;">If you are concerned about a child in Guernsey or Alderney, contact the Islands Safeguarding Children Partnership at </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">http://icpc.gg/</span>

Any child wishing to talk about a problem can contact Childline on 0800111

Any parent or carer wishing to talk about parenting problems can contact Family Lives on 0808 800 2222

The Church Safeguarding Coordinator or Rector are available to speak with adults or children.