The parish of Bishopwearmouth St Nicholas is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). The Diocese of Durham’s safeguarding page  contains vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA), Beth Miller, who advises our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

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 the PCC to implement policy and procedures. Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Peter Fielding (tel: 0191 522 5305)

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.