Safeguarding Policy for Parish of Monkwearmouth

SAFEGUARDING

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. 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.

Further information can be found here:

https://www.churchofengland.org/more/safeguarding

If you have any safeguarding concerns regarding a child or vulnerable adult or if you or someone you know is experiencing, or has experienced in the past, sexual, physical, emotional or psychological abuse please do not hesitate to contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser for advice and support or any of the following.

Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Beth Miller

Cuthbert House, Stonebridge, Durham, DH1 3 RY

email: [email protected]

Tele: 01388 604515 or 07968034075

Children and Young People’s Service (CYPS) Tel: 0191 566 5500

Wearside Women in Need Tel: 0800 065555

Community Counselling Co-operative (male victims of domestic abuse) 07549 698050

Northumbria Police Tel: 999 (immediate help) or Tel: 101