Safeguarding

Safeguarding Policy: Promoting a Safer Church

The following policy was agreed by the Parochial Church Council (PCC) at its meeting on 11 March 2025.

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy, our parish is committed to:

Promoting a safer environment and culture.
Safely recruiting, supporting and training all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults at risk within the church.
Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
Caring pastorally for victims and 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 appropriately to those who may pose a present risk to others.

The parish will:

Create a safe and caring place for all.
Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) who works with the incumbent and the PCC to implement safeguarding policy and procedures.
Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults at risk, so that they 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 on church premises and on the parish 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 where required.
Offer support to victims and 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 policies, procedures and risk assessments are in place and 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.

This church appoints:

If someone is in immediate danger of significant or serious harm, call 999.

For safeguarding advice and support, please visit the Diocese of Durham safeguarding pages:
https://durhamdiocese.org/safeguarding/