This policy was agreed by the St Mary and All Saints Parochial Church Council on the 12th May 2021.

Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults who may be at risk Policy.

The Parish of St. Mary & All Saints Bingham

Principles of the House of Bishop’s Policy for Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults who may be at risk.

We will strive to create and maintain environments that are safer for all, that promote wellbeing, that prevent abuse, and that create nurturing, caring conditions within the Church for children, young people and vulnerable adults. Our Church Officers will respect all children, young people and vulnerable adults and promote their well-being.

Principles

We are committed to:

Promoting a safer environment and culture

The care, nurture of and respectful pastoral ministry with all children and all adults.

The safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults particularly when they are at risk.

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

The establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is a culture of ‘informed vigilance’ as to the dangers of abuse.

Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others

The Parish will:

  • create a safe and caring place for all
  • carefully select and train all those with any responsibilities within the Church in line with safer recruitment principles including the use of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
  • have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures
  • listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse
  • respond without delay to every complaint made which suggests that a child, young person or adult may be at risk of harm, co-operating with the police and local authority in any investigation.
  • seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.
  • seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.
  • seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities if necessary, to any member of our church community known or accused of having offended against a child, young person or adult who may be at risk.
  • review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually
  • follow the guidance set out in Section 2.3 of the Church of England’s Practice Guidance Safer Recruitment when employing someone with a criminal record or if an ex offender wishes to attend our church

“Applicants for paid and volunteer positions must be clear about how they will be treated if they are ex-offenders.

In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice.

This policy statement will be renewed annually and progress in carrying it out will be monitored by The Parish Safeguarding Officer who is: Gill Coult
Gill may be contacted on 07973 446015
This statement was agreed by St. Mary & All Saints Bingham Parochial Church Council.
Date 12th May 2021
Date for next review: Nov 2021

PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PARISH POLICY

The parish of St. Mary & All Saints Bingham

A copy of this policy will be given to all youth and children’s workers, volunteers and employees who have the responsibility for children, young people or adults who may be at risk. They should sign a declaration afterwards saying that they have read and understood it.

What to do if:

You have concerns about possible abuse (including allegations):

  1. Respond immediately.
  2. Consult the person to whom you are responsible i.e. leader of your group.
  3. Decide together whether to seek advice or make an immediate referral.
  4. Keep a written record of what happened, your concerns and your actions.
  5. Immediately tell the Rector/Safeguarding Officer.
  6. Only tell others who need to know.
  7. Recognise: Respond: Record: Refer

A child, young person or adult who may be at risk wishes to disclose they have been abused:

  1. Listen, keep listening. Do not question or investigate.
  2. Do not promise confidentiality. Tell them we need to share this.
  3. Assure them that they are not to blame.
  4. Tell them what you are going to do and that they will be told what happens.
  5. Make careful notes in writing of what is said including:
    – Who was involved? (Name of key people).
    – What happened? (Facts not opinions)

    – When did it happen? (Date & Time)
    – Who was it referred to?
    *Remember to sign and date the record
  6. Report it to the person to whom you are responsible and to the Rector / Safeguarding Officer.
  7. Only tell those who need to know.

Things to remember

  • Treat everyone with respect, setting a positive example for others.
  • Respect personal space and privacy.
  • Ensure another adult is present or in sight or hearing of any activity.
  • Ensure any actions cannot be misinterpreted by anyone else.
  • Challenge unacceptable behaviour.
  • Do not put anyone, including yourself, in a vulnerable or compromising situation.
  • Do not have inappropriate physical or verbal contact with others.
  • You must not keep allegations or suspected abuse secret.

Follow the link below to go to the safeguarding area of the Diocesan Website which contains up-to-date safeguarding information and procedures.

https://southwell.anglican.org/promoting-a-safer-church-safeguarding/

To raise a safeguarding concern contact Diocesan Safeguarding Team

Email:safeguarding@southwell.anglican.org

or contact the Safeguarding Team on 01636 817200