Parish Safeguarding Policy
Safeguarding Policy Promoting a Safer Church
To download a printable copy, please click here.
The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 12 July 2021.
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 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) 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 on church premises and on the parish website
the details of whom to contact with 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 immediately notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies
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 Practice 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 Camilla Simpson as the Parish Safeguarding Officer. Tiffany Watts and Penny Church as Deputy safeguarding Officers
Incumbent: Rev Sue Cooke
Churchwardens: Jenny Cairns & Glenn Bee
Date: Updated July 2021We are committed to reviewing our policy and procedures annually.
Parish of St Thomas with St Stephen Policy for Safeguarding Children
Last Updated: July 2021
For our main Safeguarding page, click here.
For further safeguarding information from the Southwark Diocese, please visit:
Diocese of Southwark - 'A Safe Church'