Safeguarding

The Parish of Kirkby Ireleth, with the rest of the Church of England, its Archbishops, Bishops, clergy and leaders are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church. Safeguarding means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture. We will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, work to prevent abuse from occurring, seek to protect those that are at risk of being abused and respond well to those that have been abused. We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others, and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks. The Church of England affirms the ‘Whole Church’ approach to safeguarding. This approach encompasses a commitment to consistent policy and practice across all Church bodies, Church Officers and that everyone associated with the Church, who comes into contact with children, young people and adults, has a role to play. The Church will take appropriate steps to maintain a safer environment for all and to practice fully and positively Christ's Ministry towards children, young people and adults; to respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help keep them safe from harm.

The Church recognises the personal dignity and rights of all children, young people and adults, as enshrined in the Human Rights Act 1998 and the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Safeguarding work is undertaken within a legislative framework supported by government guidance which sets out a range of safeguarding duties, responsibilities and best practice.

The Church will endeavour to offer care and support to all those that have been abused, regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.

The PCC has appointed a Parish Safeguarding Officer who will ensure the implementation of this policy and Diocesan policies for Safeguarding, and give regular reports to the PCC on all Safeguarding matters. The person appointed is:

Mrs Linda Dean, Yewtree, Kirkby-in-Furness, LA17 7UD, 01229 889630, [email protected]

The Safeguarding Officer for the Diocese of Carlisle is Joanna Van Lachterop. Telephone 07458 016884. Email [email protected]

If there is immediate risk or danger please you should contact the Police on 101. Where there is immediate risk to the safety of a child, you can call the Cumbria Safeguarding Hub on 0333 240 1727.

A summary of our commitment to Safeguarding, together with contact details and relevant helplines, can be found displayed in all our churches, on the blue "Promoting a Safer Church" poster.