Safeguarding

Ensuring that children and young people as well as adults are kept safe whilst in our care is an integral part of our church life. If you have any concerns about safeguarding please contact

Mrs Rachael Henson, Benefice Safeguarding Officer: telephone 01949 81453 or email [email protected]

In the Diocese please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team: telephone 01636 817200

Out of Hours/Emergency contacts: telephone 0300 456 4546

The Church of England is undertaking a second review of files held in all dioceses and parishes to ensure that churches and church related activities are as safe as possible for children and vulnerable adults.

Known as the Past Cases Review 2, it aims to identify both good practice and institutional failings in the way that allegations of abuse have been handled in the past. It will also provide recommendations on how practice and processes can be improved.

All Parishes in the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham are obliged to submit relevant information for the review. Parishes have been asked to check back through their parish records to ensure that all safeguarding concerns and allegations involving clergy or church officers have been reported to the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA). In parishes without a priest, the churchwardens will complete the review supported by the Area Dean.

Preparation for PCR2 is already underway as it needs to be completed by the end of 2020.

Barry Earnshaw, Independent Chair to the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP), will work with independent case reviewers to scrutinise the files to make sure all cases have been dealt with appropriately.

Individuals who wish to make representations to the PCR2 process, or who need to come forward with information, or make any disclosures regarding church related abuse, are encouraged to make direct contact with the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) on 01636 817200 or email [email protected]

However, recognising that those with a lived experience of abuse from within the church may not feel comfortable, a dedicated telephone helpline - 0800 80 20 20 - operated independently from the church, by the NSPCC, has been set up. Anyone can use the helpline to provide information or to raise concerns regarding abuse within the Church of England; whether they are reporting issues relating to children, adults or seeking to whistle blow about poor safeguarding practice.