Safeguarding Information
Safeguarding Children and Young People and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults policies are in place at St Paul’s Church and have been adopted by the Parochial Church Council.
In accordance with the House of Bishops’ Policy Statements ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ (2017) and ‘Protecting All God’s Children’ (2010) and the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy ‘Promoting a Safer Diocese’ (2018) 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 Church Safeguarding Officer (CSO) 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 recognize 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.
Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.
This church appointed Yaa Asantewaa as our Parish Safeguarding officer and Kim Kendall-Johnson as our children’s champion.
Incumbent: Fr Staffan Dawkins
Churchwardens: Michael Nwolisa and Sammy Duah
Date: 18th July 2019
Theology and Safeguarding – why does safeguarding matter?
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
Jesus talked of the kingdom of God ‘belonging to children’; he gave them status, time and respect. Jesus also showed himself to be compassionately on the side of those without power, reaching across social barriers with the inclusive love of God.
A Christian approach to safeguarding children, adults who may be vulnerable and those in abusive relationships asks both individuals and communities to create a safe environment for them, to act promptly on any complaints made, to care for those who have been abused in the past, and to minister appropriately to those who have been abused.
Purpose – why these policies, procedures, and guidelines?
In collaboration with the Diocese of London, St Paul’s Church is committed to working in accordance with the national legal and procedural framework for safeguarding children and adults who may be vulnerable, and Church of England policy and practice. These policies and procedures provide protection for children and young people and adults who may be vulnerable at St Paul’s.
Church Policies and Procedures:
All of our Sunday School leaders have DBS clearance (previously known as CRB) and follow the guidelines and procedures given in the Safe Church Manual produced by the Diocese of Southwark in relation to youth activities and work with vulnerable adults. All leaders also undertake necessary training specific to their role.
More information can be found on the Diocese of London website.
In accordance with best practice, a copy of ‘A Safe Church’ manual is available to read on our Church notice board or to read online here:
https://www.london.anglican.org/support/safeguarding/
Important contacts:
Parish contacts:
Parish Safeguarding Officer - Yaa Asantewaa: email: [email protected]
Children Champion – Kim Kendall-Johnson: email: [email protected]
Incumbent: Fr Staffan Dawkins Tel: 02088087297 email: [email protected]
Churchwardens: Michael Nwolisa and Sammy Duah email: [email protected]
Diocesan contacts:
• Diocesan Safeguarding Helpline 0207 932 1224
Or email [email protected]
• London Diocesan House 36 Causton Street London SW1P 4AU
National Contacts:
• CCPAS (Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service) 0845 120 4550
• Child Line 0800 1111
• NSPCC 0808 800 5000 (24hrs)
• National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24hrs)
• Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (24hrs)
• Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 ( free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).
Local contacts:
Haringey
• 020 8489 1400 (First Response Team for adult social services)
• 020 8489 4470 (MASH)
• 020 8489 0000 (Emergency Duty Team)