Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults
If you have information about a safeguarding situation, where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention call the emergency services on 999. Do not delay.
Protecting the vulnerable, whether adults or children, is a responsibility we take seriously.
We believe the Church should be a safe place for all.
If you have any concerns please contact our Safeguarding Officer or Deputy Safeguarding Officer:
Safeguarding Officer Andy Gray 01603 867537
The Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be contacted on 01603 882345 or safeguarding@dioceseofnorwich.org.
Any allegations or suspicions of abuse must be directed immediately to the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, Sue Brice, via the contact details above. Sue, and other useful contacts, can also be found Here
Children and young people who need to talk can contact Childline 0800 1111
Visit the Childline Website here
Where a child or adult is at imminent risk call 999
Safeguarding policy for the parish
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding our churches are 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 on 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 Bishop's 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, and 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.
Our policies are in accordance with the Diocese of Norwich Safeguarding guidance, which is available here