What to do if you are concerned:

EMERGENCY: If you believe a child or adult is in immediate danger of significant or serious harm, contact the emergency services on 999.

NON- EMERGENCY: Contact the Parish Safeguarding Officer or incumbent, in the first instance. They must then contact the DSA. If neither are available, contact the DSA directly. If the concern arises in an activity, discuss with the group/activity leader, who will contact the Parish Safeguarding Officer or incumbent.

St Philip and St James Church Parish Safeguarding Policy Statement

Statement of Safeguarding Principles

The St Philip and St James Ilfracombe Parochial Church Council fully recognizes and accepts the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy Statement “Promoting a Safer Church 2017”, and commits to complying with the current Church of England and Diocesan safeguarding policies and practice guidance. In so doing we will comply with the secular multi-agency safeguarding procedures relating to children and young people and adults experiencing or at risk of harm, abuse or neglect.

We are committed to:

Promoting a safer environment and culture within our Parish and in our Parish activities by adhering to safe working practices and acknowledge the principle that safeguarding is everyone’s business.

In addition we will ensure that any individual organization renting/using our premises for activities involving children, young people or vulnerable adults is aware of this, our Safeguarding Policy, and aware of their own individual responsibilities to have appropriate safeguarding policies and processes in place, including safer recruitment.

Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibilities related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the Church in accordance with the House of Bishops’ Safer Recruitment: Practice Guidance 2016.

We will ensure those appointed are aware of the Diocesan and Parish Safeguarding Policies and are aware of their roles and responsibilities. We will support them by ensuring they receive Diocesan safeguarding training commensurate with their role and that they are fully aware of and have access to the practice guidance.

Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation in accordance with the statutory child and adult safeguarding procedures and the House of Bishops’ safeguarding practice guidance:

We will ensure that any complaint made regarding a vulnerable person, who may have been harmed or is in significant danger, will be reported immediately and we will fully cooperate with statutory agencies during any investigation into allegations concerning a member of the church community or any other person.

Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons:

We will seek to offer informed pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry that recognises the importance of understanding the needs of those who have been abused, including their feelings of alienation and/or isolation and provide them with details of local and national support agencies.

Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons:

We will work with others to ensure the appropriate support for them and those affected. Where that person is considered to pose a risk to others, we will work with the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor to mitigate any identified risk.

Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others:

We will endeavor to offer pastoral care and support whilst ensuring any risk has been assessed and is being managed in accordance with House of Bishops’ policy and guidance and in collaboration with the statutory agencies and the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor.

Safeguarding representative

We will ensure that there is an identified person/s to be the Parish Safeguarding Representative/s who will be suitably recruited and trained, and is aware of their role and responsibilities, and who will be the point of contact for any concerns.

We have appointed Andrew Downie as our Parish Safeguarding Representative.

Guidance

Copies of Diocesan and parish guidelines and procedures are held by the PCC Secretary Safeguarding representative can be accessed on the church notice board and or by request.

Review

This policy will be formally reviewed annually and a copy shared with the Archdeacon at the time of the Visitation. policy was last reviewed by the PCC on 16 November 2020.

‘The Church of England is called to share the good news of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. The life of our communities and institutions is integral to how we address this task. The good news speaks of welcome for all, with a particular regard for those who are most vulnerable, into a community where the value and dignity of every human being is affirmed and those in positions of responsibility and authority are truly trustworthy. Being faithful to our call to share the gospel therefore compels us to take with the utmost seriousness the challenge of preventing abuse from happening and responding well where it has.’ From ‘Promoting a Safer Church’

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. However there are particular people who oversee the safeguarding at Pip and Jim’s Church, these are:

Wardens:

Graeme Towell - ‪+44 7899661604‬

[email protected]

Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO):

Andy Downie – [email protected]

Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA):

Costa Nassaris -  01392 294969

If you would like more details please contact us or visit here to view documents related to safeguarding in the diocese.