SAFEGUARDING

If you think a child or adult is in immediate danger or a crime has been committed, you should call the police on 999.

Our Parish Safeguarding Officers are the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult. Their details can be found below.

 

The following policy statement was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 15th November 2021:

This parochial church council has adopted the Church of England Safeguarding Policies and Practice Guidance, namely the House of Bishops’ ‘Promoting a Safer Church: Safeguarding Policy Statement’.

In particular 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.


The Parish will: 

  • Create a safe and caring place for all.

  • Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) 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 Manager (DSM) and/or statutory agencies immediately.

  • Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.

  • Following advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Manager, support and manage the safe involvement of 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 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.


 

Safeguarding Contacts


Our Parish Safeguarding Officers are the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult. Their details can be found below.

 

Alternative Contact Details

If you would prefer to speak with someone outside the church.

  • Ben Goodhind
    Tel: 07834 514842
    email: ben.goodhind@bathwells.anglican.org.uk

  • Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.

    Lines open 24 hours.

    Tel: 0800 1111

    www.childline.org.uk

  • Phone if you are worried about a child.

    Lines open 24 hours

    Tel: 0808 800 5000

    www.nspcc.org.uk

  • Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.

    Lines open 24 hours.

    Tel: 116 123

    www.samaritans.org

  • For women experiencing domestic violence, or others calling on their behalf

    Lines open 24 hours.

    Tel: 0808 2000 247

    www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk

  • Independent Christian charity which helps individuals, organisations, charities, faith and community groups to protect vulnerable people from abuse.

    Lines open 24 hours

    Tel: 030 3003 1111

    www.thirtyoneeight.org

  • Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence

    Lines open weekdays 10am to 4pm

    Tel: 01823 334244

    www.mankind.org.uk