Parish Policy Statement for Safeguarding Adults who may be at Risk

The following policy was reviewed and agreed at the PCC meeting held on

 As members of the PCC we commit our church community to the support, nurture, protection and safeguarding of all. We recognise that everyone has different levels of vulnerability and that all adults should be offered respect and given inclusion and empowerment within the church.

 We are committed to adopt and implement a safeguarding policy for adults when they are vulnerable, accepting as a minimum, the Salisbury Diocese Framework for Safeguarding and Good Practice (August 2016). The parish will follow diocesan procedures and recommended good practice, while being responsive to local parish requirement.

 We are committed to reviewing this policy statement annually, and as part of this to check that our parish safeguarding procedures, including DBS checks are up-to-date and relevant.

 We will review and endorse all safeguarding policies annually, at the first meeting of the PCC following APCM, so that new members are aware of their responsibilities and confirm the existence of their parish policy on safeguarding adults when they are vulnerable.

 We will undertake careful selection of all those who will work with vulnerable groups and appropriate support and opportunities for training. We will adhere to the Safer Recruitment Practice Guidance 2016 published by the National Safeguarding Team and approved by the House of Bishops.

 We will respond without delay to every complaint made, that a vulnerable person for whom we have responsibility, may have been harmed.

 This parish will cooperate fully with the statutory agencies in every situation and will not conduct their own investigations.

 We will seek to offer informed pastoral care to any adult who has suffered abuse.

 We will care for and supervise any member of our church community known to have offended.

 The Parochial Church Council of this parish acknowledges its responsibility for all who work with young adults and adults who may be at risk of abuse, that is done in the name of the Church. It requires all those engaged in such work to be properly appointed and supported in accordance with current good practice and guidelines as noted above.

We have appointed as our Parish Safeguarding Representative (PSR):

Mrs Emma Janes

01747 871969

Signed………………………………………. Revd Mark Hayter