You will have heard in recent weeks of major failings within the Church of England, with regard to safeguarding practice and the care of victims after disclosures of abuse. It has been a time of deep shame and sorrow, and although painful to face, we hope will be a catalyst for greater transparency and accountability in the future. Our prayers are particularly with those who have suffered abuse at the hands of those who were trusted.

As clergy in this Welwyn Team of churches we want to pay tribute to the diligent and energetic work of our Parish Safeguarding Officers (PSOs), PCCs and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team who support us in our commitment to ensure that these churches are places of safety and accountability. We realise that much of their work is unseen and thought at this time it might be useful to outline to you, our congregation and wider community, some of the procedures we have in place to help protect those in our care.

· We have five Parish Safeguarding Officers who act as a point for people to report concerns, and with the clergy share the responsibility of the oversight that safeguarding training and DBS checks are up to date.

· We have three Safer Recruiters (one clergy, two lay) who meet with and administer DBS checks for every PCC member and for those who volunteer to work with children or vulnerable adults.

· Safeguarding training is compulsory for clergy, Readers, churchwardens, PCC members and those who work/volunteer with activities with children and vulnerable adults. This is offered online, and also run annually ‘in house’

· Every PCC has a Safeguarding policy that is displayed in our churches and on our websites, along with contact details of the Incumbents, PSO and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.

· Safeguarding is a standing item at every meeting of the PCC, Team Council and Ministry Team.

· We follow the national church guidelines with regard to safe practice e.g ratios of adult to children, parental permission for activities and use of social media and photographs etc .

· Volunteers are provided with a Code of Conduct of expected behaviour whilst working with children and vulnerable adults, as well as clear details of how to report concerns about a child or the behaviour of another volunteer or member of the clergy.

Policies and procedures have their place, but most importantly, we believe, is the building of a culture in all our churches where every person feels an equal responsibility to ensure the safekeeping of others and can share concerns with the knowledge they will be handled proportionately, appropriately and with sensitivity and compassion. That is something we can all work towards.

Finally, we want to say thank you to all who take an active role on behalf of the church in caring for children, young people, the frail and housebound and those vulnerable in other ways. This is good and valuable work. We are grateful for every ounce of your care and commitment. Working together we endeavour to be places where all people are treated with dignity and care through which they might grow in the knowledge that they are precious in the sight of God.