PARISH SAFEGUARDING POLICY

The Parish of High Spen and Rowlands Gill, Churches of St Patrick and St Barnabas 

SAFEGUARDING POLICY- PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH 

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 13th March 2019.

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church 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 will:

*  create a safe and caring place for all 

*  have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and 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        <span style="font-size: 1rem;">  confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse</span>

*  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 Advisor (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 or threat to children and adults              whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties

* ensure that the 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 Linda Matthews as Parish Safeguarding Officer 

Signed, Revd Diane Ryan (no churchwardens appointed)        21st September 2023