Promoting a Safer Church
The following policy was agreed by Hillside, Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 10.6.2019
Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things, this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:
- Promoting a safer environment and culture.
- Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
- Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
- Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
- Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
- Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
Hillside Church will:
- Create a safe and caring place for all.
- Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the vicar and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
- Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
- Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
- Display in church premises and on our website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
- Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
- Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.
- Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
- Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
- Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
- 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.
Our Parish Safeguarding Officers are the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or adult with vulnerability.
Alan Corner – 07743321278 – alancorner@live.co.uk
Amanda Boyd – ajreview1@blueyonder.co.uk
Rev Glen MacKnight – 07983572472
If you are concerned that a child or vulnerable adult has been harmed or is at risk of harm, you can also contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser for advice and support. If you wish to report an allegation of abuse from the past, or in the present, please do not hesitate to contact us. Your information will be treated appropriately and kept confidential.
Beth Miller – (Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser)
Address: Cuthbert House, Stonebridge, Durham DH1 3RY
Email: beth@bethmillerisw.co.uk | beth.miller@durham.anglican.org
Mobile: 07968034075
Durham Diocese Website:
https://durhamdiocese.org/safeguarding-abuse-concerns/
If you are unable to speak to the Safeguarding Adviser and a child, young person or adult, is at immediate risk of harm please call 999.
On behalf of Hillside Church: Vicar Rev Glen MacKnight & Churchwarden Gill Corner.
updated 23 February 2021