The Parish of St Peter & St Paul Temple Ewell with St Mary the Virgin Lydden

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Promoting a Safer Church

The following policy was agreed by the Parochial Church Council (PCC) on 18th March 2025

in accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy and the Diocese of Canterbury Supplementary Safeguarding Handbook, please find links below.

The Parish of Temple Ewell with Lydden is 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 of Temple Ewell and Lydden 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.

Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

This church appoints Alison Worton as the Parish Safeguarding Officer. Tel: 01304 824152

Incumbent: Reverend Ian Parrish. Tel 01304 279673

Churchwardens: Dr Judith Shilling and Mr John Glass

DBS Checks

DBS Checks are completed by the Canterbury Diocese for the Priest-in-charge, Revd Ian Parrish and Parish Safeguarding Officer, Alison Worten.

DBS checks are completed by the Parish Disclosure Officer, Nicolla Church for the PCC.

The Parish Safeguarding Officer and Disclosure Officer are the key link between the diocese and the parish PCC, concerning safeguarding matters. They have an overview of all activities involving children, young people and vulnerable adults and will seek to ensure the implementation of safeguarding policy.

Church of England Safeguarding policies

We are committed to the Church of England’s ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ safeguarding policy, and use the Parish Safeguarding Handbook as guidance, supported locally by the Diocese of Canterbury Supplementary Handbook This is reviewed annually by the PCC.

If you would like to read more of the policies and guidance given to us by the Canterbury Diocese, please do visit the Canterbury Diocese website.

Signed: Ian Parrish

Revd Ian Parrish

Priest-in-charge

Temple Ewell with Lydden