Safeguarding Statement St John the Divine, Thorpe Edge Parish ChurchThis Statement on Safeguarding in the Church was adopted in November 2022The policy statement of safeguarding in the church was readopted at a Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 12th May 2025.Each person who works within this church (staff, volunteers and other building hirers) will agree to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by this church. This church appoints Janette Watmough as the Parish Safeguarding Officer.The application of this policy will be reviewed each year and a report provided by the Parish Safeguarding Officer to the PCC.Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female inGod’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us inChrist. Among other things, this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God andtherefore to protect them from harm.The Diocese of Leeds and all parishes within it adopt Church of England polices and practice guidance relating to safeguarding.We will endeavour to safeguard children, young people and adults by:o Ensuring the care, nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and adults.o Carefully selecting and training all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with safer recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes.o Supporting, resourcing, training and regularly reviewing those who undertake work withchildren, young people and adults.o Establishing safe, caring communities which provide an environment where there is a culture of ‘informed vigilance’ as to the dangers of abuse.o Recognising that it is the responsibility of each of us to prevent the physical, emotional, sexual, financial and spiritual abuse of children, young people and adults, and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.o Responding without delay to every complaint made which suggests that a child, young person or adult may have been harmed, co-operating with the police and local authority in any investigation.o Seeking to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with him or her an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.o Committing ourselves to promoting safe practice by those in positions of trust.o Challenging any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.o Offering pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or adult.This statement will be revised in 12 months or sooner if advice changes. Janette Watmough – Safeguarding Officer
