Safeguarding
Parish of St Mary’s, Stapleton
Parish Policy for Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults:
The Parish of St Mary’s, Stapleton approved this policy at the Parochial Church Council meeting held on 1st May 2024
The parish of St Mary’s, Stapleton has adopted the Safeguarding Policies & Guidance of the Church of England and the Carlisle Diocesan Safeguarding Policy .
Ethos Statement
The teaching of Christ establishes the special significance of every human being and especially the central place of children in the sight of God. Our church is committed to fulfil His law of love and to provide for the safety, wellbeing and proper development of all children, young people and vulnerable adults in our care.
We will also properly equip and support those adults who work with and relate to them.
Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO)
The PCC has appointed a PSO who will ensure the implementation of this policy and the diocesan policy for Safeguarding, and make regular reports to the PCC and to the APCM.
The person appointed is Tricia Coombe
Damhead, Roweltown, Carlisle CA6 6LQ
016977 48833 [email protected]
The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser is Joanna Van Lachterop and she can be contacted at [email protected] or at 07458 016884. Joanna’s working days are Monday to Friday.
Out of Hours Support:
If Joanna is unavailable and you are concerned that an adult is being abused, or at risk, you should report it by contacting Adult Social Care, Cumberland Council. Emergency Out of Hours - 01228 526690
If you are concerned about a child or young person, please contact:
· Cumberland Safeguarding Hub on 0333 240 1727 (if it relates to a concern in the Allerdale, Carlisle or Copeland area) or,
· Westmorland and Furness Safeguarding Hub on 0300 373 2724 (if it relates to a concern in the Barrow, Eden or South Lakeland area).
If you believe that a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires medical attention, call the emergency services on 999.
Helplines:
· NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child and need advice or guidance on what to do.
· 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 Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse or need help to report.
· 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: 0808 808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)
· Victim Support Cumbria: 0300 303 0157. Emotional and practical advice to help people affected by crime in Cumbria.
· LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428
· Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
· Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602
Allegations of Abuse
Allegations against anyone who attends any church activity will be fully and honestly dealt with. The Diocesan procedures will be followed and all allegations will be taken seriously and recorded. The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (and in an emergency, Children’s Social Care, Adult Social Services or Police) will be contacted without delay, and all information will be shared.
Disclosures
Any person who makes a disclosure or allegation of abuse will be sensitively and appropriately dealt with, following the Diocese. Any adult to whom a disclosure is made will contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and will follow his/her advice.
Suspicions
Any member of the Church who suspects that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused in any way whatsoever will immediately contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and follow his/her advice.
Confidentiality
Confidential information concerning any adult or child will be fully protected .
Complaints
Any complaint against any member of the Church will be dealt with in accordance to the Diocese’s current complaints procedure. If a complaint relates to the treatment of children or vulnerable adults, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser will be informed immediately.
Monitoring & Review
This policy will be reviewed annually as part of the PSO’s preparation for the annual report to the PCC. Archdeacons will discuss it every three years with parishes at their Visitations.
Incumbent Rev’d Robert Brown
Churchwarden Tricia Coombe
Churchwarden Margaret Story
Date 1st May 2024
Health and Safety Assessment
The PCC will ensure that an annual assessment takes place to ensure that every activity which it organises for children or vulnerable adults, on or off the premises, will provide proper safeguards to protect them from harm. The assessment will consider the premises, activities, procedures, equipment, staffing and all other issues which may affect the potential safety of staff and users. The PCC will require all workers to re-fresh their understanding of the diocesan Code of Conduct and Practice.
The PCC requires that every other organisation which uses its premises will regularly conduct a similar assessment.
Insurance
The PCC will ensure that appropriate insurance (and third party liability) cover exists for all participants in the activities that it organises. Details of the policies and the cover they provide are held by The Treasurer
The PCC requires that any individual or organisation using its premises will also provide adequate insurance cover.