Church of Holy Trinity, Weston Lullingfields,
Policy on the Safeguarding of Adults in the Church
This statement was adopted by Holy Trinity Church, Weston Lullingfields at a Parochial Church Council meeting held on 16th May 2017
This policy will be reviewed each year to monitor the progress which has been achieved.
1. We recognize that everyone has different levels of vulnerability and that each of us may be regarded as vulnerable at some time in our lives.
2. We commit ourselves to respectful pastoral care for all adults to whom we minister.
3. We commit ourselves to the safeguarding of people who may be vulnerable, ensuring their well-being in the life of this church.
4. We commit ourselves to promoting safe practice by those in positions of trust.
5. We commit ourselves to promoting the inclusion and empowerment of people who may be vulnerable.
6. It is the responsibility of each of us to prevent the physical, emotional, sexual, financial and spiritual abuse of vulnerable people and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.
7. We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of those who will work with people who may be vulnerable.
8. The church is committed to supporting, resourcing, training and regularly reviewing those who undertake work amongst people who may be vulnerable.
9. The church adopts the guidelines of the Church of England and the Diocese.
10. Each person who works with vulnerable people will agree to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by this church.
This church appoints John Weeks to represent the concerns and views of vulnerable people at our meetings and to outside bodies.
Incumbent Linda Cox............................................................
Churchwarden Anne Roberts......................................................
Date 17/05/2017..............................
Last reviewed 22/05/2018
The Parish of Holy Trinity Church,Weston Lullingfields: Child Safeguarding Policy Statement
The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 02/04/2017
The PCC affirms the principles of the House of Bishops’ Policy for Safeguarding Children (contained in Protecting All God’s Children) and is committed to the nurturing, protection and safekeeping of the children and young people with whom it has contact. The PCC will:
▶ Appoint a Child Protection Coordinator to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures. The coordinator will ensure that any concerns about a child or the behaviour of an adult are appropriately reported both to the statutory agencies and to the relevant Archdeacon. The Coordinator, if not a member of the PCC, will have the right to attend its meetings and will report to it at least annually on the implementation of this policy.
▶ Ensure that a person is nominated to act as somebody to whom children may talk with about any problems, if they so wish. This person will be known as the Independent Person or Children’s Advocate and will, if possible, be somebody who is accessible to the children and who does not have responsibilities for children within the parish.
▶ Display in church premises where children’s activities take place the contact details of the Coordinator and Independent Person/Children’s Advocate, along with the Childline and Parentline telephone numbers and web addresses. A copy of this statement of policy will also be displayed in such places as well as in the church.
▶ Ensure that all those authorised to work with children or who are in a position of authority are appropriately recruited according to safer recruitment practice in line with Church of England national policy, and are trained, resourced and supported. This will include providing them with a copy of this policy and supplementary information and best practice including the Diocese of Lichfield Pocket Size Guide to Safeguarding and access to Protecting All God’s Children.
▶ Ensure that only authorized people work with children and that all work with children is carried out within appropriate accountability structures.
▶ Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children undertaken in the name of the parish.
▶Ensure anyone using the premises adopts and understands the Safeguarding policy in place in Holy Trinity Church, Weston Lullingfields.
▶ Ensure those working with children are appointed in line with the safer recruitment policy and that they complete a Lichfield Diocesan declaration and provide two references using the Diocesan safeguarding policy form.
▶ Ensure DBS clearance is received for all those who are required to have it.
▶ Review the implementation of the child protection policy, procedures and practices at least annually.
▶ Work to create a culture of informed vigilance which takes seriously both the needs and statements of children.
▶ Pay particular attention to children with special needs, those from ethnic minorities and those who are transgender, Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual (TLGB), to ensure their full integration and protection within the church community.
▶ Ensure that those who may pose a threat to children and young people are effectively managed and monitored.
▶ Ensure that a health and safety policy and the appropriate procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
▶ Act without delay on allegations or suspicions of any form of abuse or safeguarding issue, using the procedure laid down by the Diocese of Lichfield.
▶ Respond without delay to any complaints received regarding children’s work or the safeguarding of children.
▶ Ensure that all new PCC members have access to this policy, the Diocese of Lichfield pocket size guide to safeguarding and Protecting All God’s Children 2010, so that they are aware of their responsibilities.
▶ Cooperate fully with investigations by statutory agencies and refrain from launching its own investigations.
▶ Seek to offer or secure informed pastoral care to any child, young person or adult who has suffered any form of abuse or safeguarding incident.
This policy statement will be renewed annually by the Parochial Church Council and progress in carrying it out will be monitored by the Child Protection Coordinator who is Mrs Nicola Hey.
She may be contacted at 01939 260012.
Last reviewed 22/05/2018