Built at the beginning of the 20th century to service the hamlet of Bottomhouse, St. Mary and St. John Berkhamsytch is a daughter church of St. Leonard's Ipstones.
Our Safeguarding Policy
2024
The Parish of St Leonards Ipstones including Berkhamsytch is an inclusive, loving and caring community of Christians of all ages, and individuals. It provides a Christian presence in our Community, both in church, in our homes, with our friends and across our community. We have adopted the National and Diocesan Safeguarding Policies in full. The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in church activities is the responsibility of the whole church. Everyone who participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.
We want everyone that we come into contact with, to feel, as well as be safe from any form of harm or abuse, or any actions or incidents that affect their well-being. Safeguarding is an integral part of the mission and ministry of the church in this Parish.
It is our Christian responsibility to ensure we do everything we can to make this a reality and to recognise that each of us has a responsibility for keeping people safe.
It is our policy to:
• Promote a safer environment and culture in all we do:
• Welcome all, and treat everyone with respect, care, dignity and warmth
• Understand what makes people feel safe and welcome
• Ensure we are all informed and trained to understand, recognise and respond to anything harmful or potentially unsafe
• Respond promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
• Care pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons;
• Care pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons;
• Respond to those who may pose a present risk to others.
• Safely recruit and support all those with any responsibility relating those groups who are at increased risk of harm or abuse within the church;
Policy Agreed by the Annual Parochial Church Council: May 2024
Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is: Jacquey Millward: 07799 780561
The Priest in Charge is: Revd Jane Held on 07771 556391 or [email protected]