Parish Safeguarding Handbook (select at bottom of page)
Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults
The Parish of Grimsargh, St Michael has adopted the Blackburn Diocese Safeguarding Policy
for work with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Safeguarding Policy Statement - Promoting a Safer Church
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy the Parish of Grimsargh, St Michael
is committed to:
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 of Grimsargh, St Michael will:
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.
Each person who works within our church communities will agree to abide by this policy and the
guidelines established by Parish of Grimsargh, St Michael.
Contact details for safeguarding concerns.
Parish Safeguarding Officer:
Jennifer Soper
07798 613988
[email protected]
Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor:
Sharon Hassall
01254 503070
07711 485170
[email protected]
Address:
Diocese Offices, Clayton House, Walker Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2QE
Links to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be found here:
https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/diocesan-safeguarding-team
https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/reporting-a-safeguarding-concern
Local Authority Social Services:
0300 123 6720 (6722 out of hours)
In cases of immediate risk or danger, please contact the police on 999
Reporting a concern
Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of the Parish Safeguarding
Officer in the first instance, who can seek further advice from Sharon Hassall, the Diocesan
Safeguarding Adviser, as necessary.
Finding support
We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the
parish safeguarding officer or Diocesan safeguarding team. Below is a list of other agencies that are
available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:
Phone if you are worried about a child. Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours).
Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours).
Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse. Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours).
Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).