Safeguarding Policy

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.