Safeguarding
The following policy was agreed at St Sebastian’s Church, Wokingham Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 18th May 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 front page of 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 Team 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.
- Inform the Diocesan Safeguarding Team if we use an alternative DBS Umbrella Body to APCS and if we receive any DBS Disclosures that contain information.
- 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.

Parish Safeguarding Policy Statement

Every year the Parochial Church Council (PCC) agrees the Parish Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy Statement, displaying a copy in parish buildings and forwarding a copy to the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer for their records.

Parish Safeguarding Representatives

The PCC has appointed Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), who is responsible on behalf of the Incumbent and PCC for implementing the Parish and Diocesan policy in respect of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. The PSO agrees to undertake the key responsibilities of the role, as outlined in the Diocesan Safeguarding Guide.

Please see below:

Contacts

REVEREND RICKEY SIMPSON-GRAY
Parish Vicar
[email protected]
0118 214 7348

HELEN THOMPSON
Lead Parish Safeguarding Officer
[email protected]
07710 588711

MARK LEE
Deputy Parish Safeguarding Officer

[email protected]
tbc.

SUMAN SHRESTHA
Children’s Advocate

[email protected]

CHARLOTTE WILMSHURST
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (Berkshire)

[email protected]
07443 700159
OR
[email protected]
01865 208295

Local Authority Social Services:
I
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL SAFEGUARDING ADULT PARTNERSHIP (ADULTS)
[email protected]
0118 974 6371

EMERGENCY DUTY TEAM (OUT OF HOURS)
01344 786543 (children)
[email protected]

EMERGENCY DUTY TEAM (OUT OF HOURS)
01344 351999

II
BRACKNELL FOREST COUNCIL SAFEGUARDING (ADULTS)
[email protected]
01344 351500

CHILDREN
[email protected]
01344 352005

EMERGENCY DUTY TEAM (OUT OF HOURS)
01344 351999

If there is immediate risk or danger, please contact Police:
Phone 101

Thames Valley Police 0845 8505 505

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