Safeguarding Policy & Contacts

Contact Numbers

Our Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) is:  Fran Avery

Our Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) is Adam Bond  tel:  0117 906 0100.

If someone is in immediate danger please contact the police on 999  (non-emergency line 101)

For advice or someone to talk to please contact: 
Childline  0800 1111    www.childline.org.uk
Swindon Women's Aid (for all victims of domestic abuse) 01793 610 610.

Policy Statement (the Full Policy can be downloaded below)

It is the responsibility of all members of the parish of St. Philip’s to give paramount importance to the nurture and care of children, young people and vulnerable adults in a safe and secure environment. It is about preventing harm to children and adults wherever possible.

We recognise that:

• The welfare of the child, young person or vulnerable adult is paramount.

• Everyone has different levels of vulnerability and each of us may be regarded as vulnerable at some time in our lives

• All children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable (regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation) have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse which can occur in all families and communities.

• Working in partnership with children, young people, vulnerable adults and their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting their welfare.

We will develop a culture in our church that:

• Enables a safe and caring community to provide a loving environment where there is a culture of ‘informed vigilance’ as to the dangers of abuse.

• Enables and encourages concerns to be raised and responded to openly and consistently and protects children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable from actual or potential harm.

• Ensures all people feel welcomed, respected and safe from abuse.

• Values, listens to and respects children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable, encouraging them to be active contributors to the church community.

• Encourages adults who may be vulnerable to lead as independent a life as possible.

When concerns are raised we will:

• Respond without delay to every concern raised that a child, young person or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, or may be at risk of harm, through abuse or neglect.

• Work with police, local authority and other partners in any investigation, including where allegations are made against a member of the Church community.

• Challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.

If abuse has occurred we will ensure:

• Informed and appropriate pastoral care is offered to any child, young person or adult who has suffered abuse, including support to make a complaint if so desired.

• Supervision is provided for any member of the Church Community known to pose a risk of harm to others.

• Appropriate pastoral care is provided to any member of our church against whom an allegation is made.

In all recruitment we will:

• Carefully select those with any responsibility within the Church (including voluntary workers) in line with the Church of England Safer Recruitment Practice Guidance, 2016 (See parish of St. Philip’s Safer Recruitment Guidelines) and provide ongoing supervision, support and training.

In our publicity we will:

• Share information about good safeguarding practice with children, young people and vulnerable adults, their parents, carers and all those working and worshipping with them.