SAFEGUARDING

In accordance with the House of Bishops’ Policy Statements ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ (2017) and ‘Protecting All God’s Children’ (2010) and the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy ‘Promoting a Safer Diocese’ (2018) St. Botolph's is committed to:

- Promoting a safer environment and culture
 

- Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to       children and vulnerable adults
 

- Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation

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- Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse or other affected persons

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- Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns/allegations of abuse and other affected persons

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- Responding to those that may pose a present risk.

 

The Parish will:

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- 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 vulnerable adults, and to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to threat of potential 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.

 

 

To endeavour that each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

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Further guidance can be found in the National Church’s Safeguarding Policies and Practice Guidance.

The National Church’s Parish Safeguarding Handbook provides further advice on responding to concerns