Safeguarding is a priority at St Peters
Safeguarding contact:
Maggie Stubbs
tel: 01226 768930
St Peter’s Church Hoyland
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
We recognise that:
· the welfare of the child or young person is paramount
everyone has different levels of vulnerability, and each of us may be regarded as vulnerable at some time in our livesall children and adults who may be vulnerable (regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity) have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse which can occur in all families and communitiesWe will develop a safeguarding culture in our church that:
enables and encourage concerns to be raised and responded to openly and consistently and protects children and adults who may be vulnerable from actual or potential harmis child-friendly and ensures that all people feel welcomed, respected and safe from abuse values, listens to and respects children and adults who may be vulnerable, encouraging them to be active contributors to the church communityWhen concerns are raised we will:
· respond without delay to every concern raised that a child, or adult who may be vulnerable may have been harmed, or may be at risk from harm, through abuse, harassment or bullying; or about the behaviour of an adult or child
· challenge any abuse of power especially by anyone in a position of trust
· report to the appropriate statutory bodies. During an investigation into abuse, work with authorities when allegations are made against a member of the church community
If abuse has occurred, we will ensure in partnership with agencies that:
· informed and appropriate pastoral care is offered to any child, young person or adult who has suffered abuse, including support to make a complaint if so desired
· supervision is provided for any member of our church community known to have
offended against a child or vulnerable adult, or to pose a risk to them.
· appropriate pastoral care is offered to any member of our church community against whom an allegation is made
In all recruitment and selection we will:
ensure careful selection of ordained and lay ministers, voluntary and paid workers with children and young people and adults in line with safer recruitment principles and checksprovide supervision, support and training after appointmentcommit ourselves to support, resource train and regularly review those who undertake work amongst people who may be vulnerable.In our publicity we will:
· share information about good safeguarding practice with children, parents and adults who may be vulnerable, their carer’s and all those working with them