The safeguarding of all people, but especially children and vulnerable adults, is of utmost importance to us.
For this reason, all staff and volunteers who work directly with children and/or vulnerable adults are recruited and undergo regular training in line with national guidelines.
St. James' Church has adopted and adheres to the Church of England's guidelines on the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults contained in the document Promoting a Safer Church and also adheres to all the guidelines in the Church of England’s Parish Safeguarding Handbook.
Should you have a concern regarding an issue of safeguarding, St. James' Church you can contact any of the following individuals:
|
Revd Dr Steve Green |
Becky Porter |
Should you wish to report an issue beyond the parish team, in the first instance you should contact:
Jackie Broadfoot 07918 559387 |
The following organisations may also be of interest.
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 ( free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).
The National Church Safeguarding Team
safeguarding@churchofengland.org
Safeguarding statement
Statement of Safeguarding Policy
At a meeting held on 27th June 2024 the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St. James' Church, Rowledge adopted the Church of England's guidelines on the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults contained in the document Promoting a safer church and also adheres to all the guidelines in the Church of England’s Parish Safeguarding Handbook. This includes practice in recruitment found in the House of Bishop’s guidance as well as the diocesan safeguarding protocols found on the Diocese of Guildford web-site Safeguarding - Diocese of Guildford (cofeguildford.org.uk) The policies and practice documents signposted above apply to all Church bodies and church officers. All clergy, bishops, archdeacons, licensed readers, lay workers, church wardens and PCCs must have due regard to safeguarding guidance issued by the House of Bishops.
As a PCC we are committed to the support, nurture and protection of all in our church community.
The Parish will:
- Create a safe and caring place for all.
- Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the Vicar and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
- Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and vulnerable adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
- Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving both children and vulnerable adults that take place in the parish.
- Display in church premises and on the parish website 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 the House of Bishop’s guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies, as appropriate, immediately.
- Offer support to victims / survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
- Following advice from the DSA support and manage the safe involvement of 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 procedures and risk assessments are in place for all activities and that these are reviewed annually.
- Review the implementation of the Safeguarding policy, procedures and practices every 6 months.
- Ensure that each person who works within the St James’ church community will agree to and abide by this policy and the guidelines established by the church.
Our Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) is
1.Name: Becky Porter Email: safeguarding@stjamesrowledge.org.uk
| Signed: |  |
(Rev Dr Stephen Green, Vicar) | Date: 28th June 2024 |
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA)
Jackie Broadfoot
jackie.broadfoot@cofeguildford.org.uk
Tel: 07918 559387