Safeguarding
Promoting a safer church
Parish Safeguarding Officer. Tim Alexander Tel: 01438 880519. Email: [email protected]
Important Contacts
Jez Hirst – Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) – 01727 818 107 or 07867 350 886
Dave Adams – Assistant DSA – 01727 818 104 or 07469 351 357
Warren Lucas – Assistant DSA – 01727 818 106 or 07311 310 545
Email address for all: [email protected]
A referral can be made to the Hertfordshire Children Schools & Families team: During & outside office hours: 0300 123 4043. A referral can be made to Hertfordshire Police: 0845 3300 222
Police Non- emergency 101. Emergency 999.
The Parish of St Mary’s, Aston SAFEGUARDING POLICY PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH
The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 4th June 2024
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.
Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.
This church appoints Timothy Alexander as the Parish Safeguarding Officer
Incumbent ....Revd Canon Jenny Gray...............................................................
Churchwardens ....Mr Timothy Alexander and Mrs Sara Hudson.............
Date: 4th June 2024