Benefice of St Nicholas Fulford Benefice with Christ Church Hilderstone

Safeguarding Policy 2024

This policy statement on safeguarding children and adults in the Church was adopted by Christ Church Hilderstone Parish Council (PCC) 9th July 2024 and by St Nicholas Fulford Parish Council (PCC) on 9th July 2024.

The Benefice PCCs recognise the need to safeguard the children and young people in our care and guard against the possibility of any form of abuse of children, young people and vulnerable adults by persons who may be acting in the name of our parishes.

We aim to create a safe environment for the nurture and development of children and young people, in order for them to feel valued and confident to ask for support and help.
Reference sources:
This policy has been written based on the guidance of the following documents:
• Promoting a Safer Church; House of Bishops policy statement (2017)
• Protecting All God's Children (safeguarding policy for children and young people, 4th edition, 2010)
• Promoting a Safe Church (safeguarding policy for adults, 2006)
• Lichfield Diocesan Safeguarding Policy and Guidance Amended version 2021
A Safeguarding Co-ordinator to represent the benefice has been appointed to ensure the implementation of this policy.
1. We commit to providing a safe physical environment for work with children and young people.
2. 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.
3. We commit ourselves to the safeguarding of all children and young people, particularly those who may be vulnerable, ensuring their well-being in the life of this church. This includes agreed adult: child/young person ratios which vary according to age group and context, with a normal minimum of two adults with DBS clearance at any group or event.
4. We commit ourselves to promoting safe practice by those in positions of trust.
5. We commit to informing the whole church communities about our safeguarding policy and procedures and recognise that it is the responsibility of each of us to prevent and report abuse that we discover or suspect.
6. We will ensure the children and young people in our care know who they can talk to if they have any concerns.
7. We recognise our responsibility to always respond to and report abuse in whatever context, inside or outside the church environment and will always listen to and take seriously any child or young person who reports that they have been abused
8. We will always report allegations of abuse and concerns about a child or young person who is experiencing or at risk of abuse in accordance with our procedures.
9. We will always report all allegations of abuse against clergy, staff or volunteers to the appropriate statutory agency and to the Bishop’s Safeguarding Adviser and co-operate with any investigation
10. We will keep securely all records in relation to safeguarding concerns, allegations and the recruitment of volunteers and paid workers.
11. We commit to the safe recruitment of all new and current clergy, staff or volunteers who have contact with children, young people and adults
12. We will assess all new and current clergy, staff or volunteer roles and, in every case where the role is deemed to be eligible, apply for an appropriate level criminal record check every five years.
13. We commit to providing every clergy, staff or volunteer with clear instructions and information in respect of their role, adequate resources and support and regular opportunities for review.
14. We will ensure that all clergy, staff or volunteers working directly with children, young people and vulnerable adults or those who are in a trusted role attend Church of England safeguarding training every three years.
15. We will inform the Bishop’s Safeguarding Adviser, and ensure appropriate supervision, of anyone who is known to have offended against a child or young person who attends activities organised by the Benefice and will follow all recommendations of the Bishop’s Safeguarding Adviser in this regard.
16. We require all regular hirers of our premises to have their own safeguarding policy and procedures, to provide us with an assurance that these are implemented and to provide us with a copy.
17. Private hirers of our premises must pay due regard to the safety and well-being of children and young people and accept full responsibility for those in their care.
18.The policy will be reviewed each year to ensure that it meets all current legislation, Diocesan and The Church of England –policies and practice guidance and to monitor its effectiveness.
19. Each person who works with children and young people will agree to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by the benefice.
20. This policy applies to all trips, visits and events organised on behalf of The Benefice. The Benefice has appointed AUDREY STRINGER to represent the concerns and views of vulnerable people at our meetings and to outside bodies as the parish safeguarding co-ordinator for children/young people.
The Benefice has appointed the vicar as a parish identity verifier to process online Disclosure and Barring Service applications.

Incumbent: Reverend Lucinda Wray-Wear
Churchwardens: Rowena Robinson, St Nicholas.
Audrey Stringer, Christ Church

Date: 9 July 2024


CONTACT DETAILS:
Neil Spiring - Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor Office: 01543 306147
Email: [email protected]
Linda Clifford-Hayes- Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor Office: 01543 306030
Email: [email protected]
Kim Hodgkins - Diocesan Advisor for the Safeguarding of Children Office: 01543 306099
Email: [email protected]
Helen Scheven - DBS Administrator Office: 01543 306223
Email: [email protected]

Diocese Safeguarding Number 01543 306030
Out of hours number 0303 003 1111