The PCC of St Peter’s Church has adopted the House of Bishops’ ‘Promoting a Safer Church; safeguarding policy statement’. We believe that safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those who are vulnerable (children, young people, and vulnerable adults). We expect all our staff, volunteers, and those who use our premises to share this commitment and value the support of those who worship here in achieving this.
For further information contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisors at Diocese of York.
The Parish of St Peter’s Church, Redcar
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH
The following policy was reviewed and agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 22nd March 2023.
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.
Brian Harvey is our Parish Safeguarding Officer (appointed 27/2/2021) and he may be contacted about any safeguarding matter on 07970 849004 or safeguarding@stpeterschurchredcar.co.uk.
Priest-in-Charge: Rev'd Andrew Greiff
Churchwardens: Daphne Wood & Brian Harvey
Policy reviewed: 26th July 2023