The parish of Poslingford is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Benefice Safeguarding Officer (BSO). The Diocese of St.Edmundsbury & Ipswich’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our BSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.
Promoting a safer church
The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in church activities is the responsibility of the whole church.
Everyone who participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.
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.
Local contacts available to speak to if you have any concerns:
Name: Mrs Beth Salmon
Role: Benefice Safeguarding Officer
Tel: 01787 277794
Email: [email protected]
Name: Karen Galloway
Role: Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor
Tel: 07785 621319
Email: [email protected]
Local Authority Social Services:
Suffolk County Council – 0808 800 4005
IF THERE IS IMMEDIATE RISK OR DANGER PLEASE CONTACT THE POLICE ON 999.
All the PCC's within our benefice have adopted the diocesan and national policies to support our commitment to making our churches safer, copies of which are displayed in each church and are available to view here: http://www.cofesuffolk.org/safeguarding-documents
We recognise that Safeguarding is an integral part of the mission and ministry of the church in this diocese and is in line with our Growing in God strategy.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
It is our policy to:
Promote a safer environment and culture
Safely recruit and support all those with any responsibility relating those groups who are at increased risk of harm or abuse within the church
Respond promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
Care pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons
Care pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons
Respond to those who may pose a present risk to others
We will work with the Diocese in order to fulfil the above policy, and will make use of the diocesan facilities to complete online DBS applications and to provide appropriate levels of safeguarding training in order to raise awareness and create an atmosphere of ‘informed vigilance’.
We will work with the diocese, who in turn work collaboratively with Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Safeguarding Children Board, Suffolk Safeguarding Adults Board and Suffolk Police Public Protection.
If a child or adult is at risk of immediate harm call 999 now.
Safe Spaces: a service for victims and survivors of church-related abuse
Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service for anyone who has experienced abuse in relation to the Church of England, the Church in Wales, or the Catholic Church of England and Wales. This could be abuse by someone who holds any role in the church or is linked to participating in a church-led activity or group.
If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You do not have need to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church. Your information will not be shared without your consent, unless you or someone else is in immediate danger. Safe Spaces can provide a range of help, including advocating with authorities and other agencies, giving emotional support, providing information (including information on church and police procedures), understanding your needs and working together on individual support plans.
Tel: 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)
Email: [email protected]
LiveChat - via the Safe Spaces website