The Diocese of Manchester, and the people in its parish churches, work hard to safeguard children and young people, vulnerable adults and those in abusive relationships. We aim to create safe environments, where children and young people are nurtured and protected; and where all people, and especially those who may be vulnerable for any reason, are able to worship and pursue their faith journey with encouragement and in safety.
We follow the national legal and procedural framework for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and Church of England policy and practice.
We act promptly on any complaints made, and work in close partnership with police and social care services where children or vulnerable adults have been harmed or are at risk of harm or mistreatment.
We provide safe recruitment, training and support to our voluntary and paid workers with children and vulnerable adults.
We care for those who have been abused in the past, and minister appropriately to those who have abused.SAFEGUARDING POLICY PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH
The Parish of St James with St Clement, Moss Side and St Edmunds, Whalley RangeThe following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 27th March 2023
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 guidance can be found in The Church of England Parish Safeguarding Handbook which provides detailed advice on responding to concerns.
This church appoints Gani Martins as the Parish Safeguarding Officer
Email: [email protected] Tel: 07983 954 593
Vicar: Rev Tom Studman Email: [email protected] Tel: 0161 226 1291