PCC Safeguarding Policy Statement 2023

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 9 March, 2023

In accordance with the House of Bishops’ Policy Statements ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ (2017) andProtecting All God’s Children’ (2010) and the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy ‘Promoting a Safer Diocese’ (2018) 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 following the guidance on the Diocesan Website.
  • 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.

 

The Parish will:

  • Create a safe and caring place for all.
  • Have a named Church Safeguarding Officer (CSO) to work with the incumbent 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 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.
  • 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.
  • Safeguarding concerns can be raised by email at safeguarding@london.anglican.org.
    • Alternatively, any concerns can be lodged with to a member of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, Safeguarding Helpline on 020 7932 1224(between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday).
    • Messages can be left 24/7 on the Diocesan phone.
    • Children’s Safeguarding Contacts London
      • Telephone: 020 8227 3811.
      • Out of hours: 020 8594 8356.
    • Secure Email: childrensservices2@lbbd.gov.uk
    • If a person is in imminent danger we will alert the police.
      • Nearest station is Kentish Town police station, Holmes road, NW5 3AE, 020 7404 1212 or 101
      • Call 999 if anyone is in immediate danger or a crime is being committed.

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 RUTH CHAUMETON PEEL  as the Church Safeguarding Officer

 

Incumbent:__________The Reverend Canon William Gulliford

Churchwardens:_____Griselda Brook     Joseph Steadman

 

Date: _________9 March 2023