Safeguarding

Safeguarding is at the heart of our Christian faith. Our Parochial Church Council (PCC) has adopted the House of Bishops "Promoting a Safer Church; safeguarding policy statement".

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 7th September 2021.

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 of allegation.

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

Caring pastorally for those who are 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 activites 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 seriuosly all those who disclose abuse. 

Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishop's guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (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. 

If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advise from the Parish Safeguarding Officer, the Churchwardens or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor. Alternatively you can report the matter to your Local Authority Social Services, or to the Police.

Parish Safeguarding Officer           Fiona Street.

Churchwardens                           Kate Recknell-Page.

                                                 Janet Bethell.

Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor     Annette Gordon - (020) 7932 1224

Other important contacts:

Local Authority Social Services - 01895 556633

Hillingdon Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy Service - 0208 246 1745  /  07874 620954

NSPCC - 0808 800 5000

Childline - 0800 11 11

Stop it Now - 0808 1000 900

Samaritans - 116 123

National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247

Action on Elder Abuse - 080 8808 814