Safeguarding Policy Statement

At the Parochial Church Council meeting held on 9th July 2023, the Council adopted the Church of England Promoting a Safer Church Policy Statement, the House of Bishops’ Practice Guidance and supporting Diocesan Safeguarding Protocols. (See Note 1)

As a Parochial Church Council, we are committed to the support, nurture and protection of all in our Church Community. We will: 

1. Create a safe and caring place for all. 

2. Have a named Safeguarding Officer to work with the Council to implement policy and procedures. 

3. Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and vulnerable adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse. 

4. Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish. 

5. Display in the Church and on the church website the details of contacts where safeguarding concerns or support needs occur. 

6. Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse. 

7. Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following the House of Bishops’ guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and statutory agencies immediately. 

8. Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, or when or where it occurred. 

9. Follow advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, and support and manage the safe involvement of any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and/or adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties. 

10. Ensure that procedures and risk assessments are in place for all activities, and that these are reviewed annually. 

11. 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. 

Note 1: Appropriate documentation and practice can be found under ‘Safeguarding’ on the Church of England website and on the Oxford Diocesan website  

This Policy was adopted by the Church Council at its meeting on 9th July 2023

The next review will take place at the first PCC meeting following our APCM, which is always held by the last day of May each year.

Mrs Lovely Twum is our Parish Safeguarding Officer, who can be contacted via email

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers: call 01865 208 295 or email for urgent safeguarding concerns Monday to Thursday 9am – 5pm and Friday 9am – 4.30pm. Further contact details are available on the Diocesan Safeguarding Page

CCPAS 24 hour helpline: 0303 003 1111

Family Lives: 0808 800 222 (Previously Parentline)

Childline: 0800 1111