The Parochial Church Council has adopted the safeguarding policies and procedures of the Church of England. In particular we are 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 that 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 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.
We have appointed Steve Christmas [07976 165206] as Parish Safeguarding Coordinator.
Details of the Canterbury Diocese Safeguarding Advisors may be found by following this link: https://www.canterburydiocese.org/safeguarding/
Further contact details:
Kent County Council Social Services
www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health
Adult concerns 03000 41 61 61
Child concerns 03000 41 11 11
Out of office hours 03000 41 91 91
NSPCC
Helpline 0808 800 5000; https://www.nspcc.org.uk/
Childline 0800 1111; https://www.childline.org.uk