Our parish of Ashmanhaugh: St Swithin is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Our Diocese of Norwich’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the PSO [Pauline Simpson 01692 630674) or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor [Sue Brice). If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services."

Safeguarding Principles Policy
Children, Young People and Adults at risk (Vulnerable Adults) in
the Church
The St Benedict’s Benefice of Ashmanhaugh, Barton Turf, Beeston St
Lawrence, Horning, Irstead and Neatishead
This Safeguarding Principles Policy should be read and used in conjunction with
Promoting a Safer Church Policy Statement which was approved by Diocesan Synod on
21/10/2017
1. It is the responsibility of all church members to do their best to prevent the
physical, sexual, emotional or spiritual abuse of children and young people, and to
report abuse that is alleged or suspected.
2. We recognise that everyone has different levels of vulnerability and that each of us
may be regarded as vulnerable at some time in our lives. It is the responsibility of
all church members to do their best to prevent the physical, sexual, emotional or
spiritual abuse or neglect of adults who are vulnerable, and to report abuse that is
alleged or suspected.
3. The churches in the St Benedict’s Benefice will observe Church of England
guidelines with regard to Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults. It will
support and resource workers who are appointed by the PCC, and provide for
them supervision as a way of maintaining good practice.
4. Workers will be expected to undertake the Safeguarding Training that is offered by
the Diocese and they may be required to obtain a DBS disclosure and complete a
Confidential Declaration before commencing their work.
5. Responsibility for the appointment of workers shall rest with the PCC.
6. Each PCC in the Benefice will display a copy of the policy in a prominent place on
their church premises so that all may become aware of its existence. It will be
reviewed annually and amended as necessary.
The Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) appointed by the PCCs of the Benefice of St
Benedict’s churches to oversee the implementation of this policy, and to represent the
concerns and views of children, young people and Adults at Risk is:
Mrs Pauline Simpson.
Any suspicion or disclosure of abuse should, in the first instance, be reported to this
person and to the Incumbent of the Benefice.
This statement has been agreed and adopted by each of the Parochial Church Councils
in the Benefice of St Benedict, and signed by the Churchwarden of each PCC, the PSO
and witnessed by the Incumbent, Reverend Ben Bradshaw.
The Parish Safeguarding Officer, Mrs Pauline Simpson, holds the original copies for the
individual PCC’s.
DATE: 21st May 2025