Who's Who at St.Mary's?
The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 16th May 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.
This church appoints ____Judith Dixon______ as the Parish Safeguarding Officer
Incumbent .................................................................
Churchwarden ......... David Stothard.......................
Date: 16th May 2023
The incumbent/priest in charge
vacant
The churchwarden
David Stothard 33867
The Parish Safeguarding Officer
Judith Dixon 34512
The team of licensed/accredited ministers
Rev. Nick Hallam 36069
Rev. Jane Nattrass [email protected]
Employed staff
Do you need to work with anyone employed by the church?
Administrator: Judith Dixon 34512
Who co-ordinates work in your church related to children, young people, adults at risk (e.g. Sunday School, youth club, visiting team, transport)?
Rev. Jane Nattrass - Monday Meet-up [email protected]
Helen Todd – Rushbearing [email protected]
Who will you talk to if you observe or are told about Safeguarding concerns?
Judith Dixon 34512
Parish of St Mary’s, Ambleside
Parish Policy for Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults:
The Parish of St Mary’s, Ambleside approved this policy at the Parochial Church Council meeting held on 16th May 2023.
The parish of St Mary’s, Ambleside has adopted the Safeguarding Policies & Guidance of the Church of England and the Carlisle Diocesan Safeguarding Policy.
Ethos Statement
The teaching of Christ establishes the special significance of every human being and especially the central place of children in the sight of God. Our church is committed to fulfil His law of love and to provide for the safety, wellbeing and proper development of all children, young people and vulnerable adults in our care.
We will also properly equip and support those adults who work with and relate to them.
Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO)
The PCC has appointed a PSO who will ensure the implementation of this policy and the diocesan policy for Safeguarding, and make regular reports to the PCC and to the APCM.
The person appointed is –
Name Judith Dixon
Address The Vicarage, Vicarage Lane, Hawkshead LA22 0PD
Tel. No 015394 34512
e-mail [email protected]
Health and Safety Assessment
The PCC will ensure that an annual assessment takes place to ensure that every activity which it organises for children or vulnerable adults, on or off the premises, will provide proper safeguards to protect them from harm. The assessment will consider the premises, activities, procedures, equipment, staffing and all other issues which may affect the potential safety of staff and users. The PCC will require all workers to re-fresh their understanding of the diocesan Code of Conduct and Practice.
The PCC requires that every other organisation which uses its premises will regularly conduct a similar assessment.
Insurance
The PCC will ensure that appropriate insurance (and third party liability) cover exists for all participants in the activities that it organises.
The current policy is Employers liability (compulsory insurance) from Ecclesiastical Insurance
Details of the policy and the cover it provides is held by Tony Sunnucks
The PCC requires that any individual or organisation using its premises will also provide adequate insurance cover.
Appointment of voluntary and paid staff who work with children, young people and vulnerable adults
In accordance with the diocesan policy for Safer Recruitment , the PCC will ensure that all those who work with children, young people and vulnerable adults will be properly appointed, trained and supervised. This will include:
When appointing new staff – before they begin their role
Appropriate Job Descriptions will be drawn up in advance;
Interviews will be held;
At least two References will be sought and taken up;
A Confidential declaration will be completed;
All new personnel will be required to undergo a DBS check before they are appointed
Existing staff –
Will be given a written Job Description. If this was not done at the time of their original appointment then any references which were obtained but not taken up will now be pursued;
Renew their DBS check every five years
All staff –
Will receive regular in-service training
Will be properly supervised
Activities/Organisations
The following activities/organisations have been approved by the PCC:
Name of organisation Monday Meet-up
Name of Leader Rev. Jane Nattrass
Contact [email protected]
Name of organisation Rushbearing
Name of Leader Helen Todd
Contact Tel. No.
Address
Name of authorised helper.
Allegations of Abuse
Allegations against anyone who attends any church activity will be fully and honestly dealt with. The Diocesan procedures will be followed and all allegations will be taken seriously and recorded. The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (and in an emergency, Children’s Social Care, Adult Social Services or Police) will be contacted without delay, and all information will be shared.
Disclosures
Any person who makes a disclosure or allegation of abuse will be sensitively and appropriately listened to and accompanied through the necessary stages of enquiry, following the Diocese procedure and guidelines. Any adult to whom a disclosure is made will contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and will follow his/her advice.
Suspicions
Any member of the Church who suspects that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused in any way whatsoever will immediately contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and follow his/her advice.
Confidentiality
Confidential information concerning any adult or child will be fully protected.
Complaints
Any complaint against any member of the Church will be dealt with in accordance to the Diocese’s current complaints procedure. If a complaint relates to the treatment of children or vulnerable adults, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser will be informed immediately.
Monitoring & Review
This policy will be reviewed annually as part of the PSO’s preparation for the annual report to the PCC. Archdeacons will discuss it every three years with parishes at their Visitations.
Incumbent ......vacant
Churchwarden…. David Stothard
Date 16th May 2023