Keeping Safe
Most of the time at church we are like a big happy family. However even in very happy families people can have a bad day and even people we know and trust can upset us. We want to help everyone have good days all of the time. We try to make sure people who have jobs in the church always behave well and in a way that is helpful to you. We never want anyone or anything in church to frighten you, confuse you or worry you. It is important that you tell us if something is upsetting you or if you are feeling worried about something that’s happening or something somebody is doing. We have specially trained people who you can talk to and who you can ask for help. These people are good at safeguarding. This means they look after everyone’s safety. Caring for people is a very important part of our Christian life.
If you have any concerns you can contact the safeguarding co-ordinator Jane Root (01522 788278) or if you wish to speak to someone outside the church you can contact the diocesan safeguarding team – their contact details are available on www.lincoln.anglican.org/safeguarding. There is information on this website about other places from where you can get help or advice.
The Withamside United Parish takes safeguarding very seriously and has adopted the Statement of Safeguarding Principles as advised by Lincoln Diocese.
Statement of Safeguarding Principles
The Church of England works in partnership with other Christian Churches and other agencies in delivering safeguarding. In partnership with the Methodist Church, the following statement of principles appears at the head of each safeguarding policy:
We are committed to:
• The care, nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and all adults;
• The safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and all adults
The establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where victims of abuse can report or disclose abuse and where they can find support and best practice that contributes to the prevention of abuse
To this end
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We will carefully select, support and train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with Safer Recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration/membership of the relevant vetting and barring schemes
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We will respond without delay to every complaint made, that any adult, child or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation
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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
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We will seek to protect survivors of sexual abuse from the possibility of further harm and abuse
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We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust
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We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision, and referral to the appropriate authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adultIn all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice.
Approved by this Parochial Church Council. To be reviewed in three years time.
Name of Parochial Church Council: Withamside United Parish
Signed : The Revd Dee Freeman (Rector)