sAFEGUARDING

HOW DO WE SAFEGUARD?

At St John’s we want to make everyone feel welcome and safe. We take the safety and happiness of children very seriously. We regularly update our child protection policy and procedure which can be found on the board in the church and below. The Safeguarding Officers and the Vicar attend safeguarding courses on a regular basis. If you have any concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult please speak to our Safeguarding Officers. Their roles include looking out for those within St John’s, who may need support. They are also available to speak to about any issues or concerns you may have. Their details are below.

Our Safeguarding Officer is the first person to speak to if you hae any concerns around the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult.

Mr Marc Anslow

Church Safeguarding Officer

Our Safeguarding Officer is the first person to speak to if you hae any concerns around the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult.

You can contact him on: 07838098454

Mr Marc Anslow

Children's Champion

The Children’s Champion is here to be an advocate for all children in all areas of Parish life, making sure their views are heard and their needs are thought of.

Important telephone numbers

Michelle, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: 020 7932 1224

CCPAS 24 hour helpline: 0845 120 4550

Family Lives: 0808 800 222 (Previously Parentline)

Childline: 0800 1111

Every volunteer, who helps with children and youth work, has to complete an application form, a DBS check and two references. We run regular vulnerable adult and child protection training sessions for those on teams. Please contact the Parish Office if you wish to help with the children and youth work or be involved in other ministries and we’ll put you in touch with the right people.

REPORTING A CONCERN

If you have a safeguarding concern please do contact either our Safeguarding Officers or the Vicar by calling the relevant number given above. If you are unable to get through, then please do leave a message if the concern is not urgent. If you do need to speak to someone urgently, please contact the safeguarding team on safeguarding@stjohnspg.org. Thank you.

If you believe someone is at immediate risk or danger please call 999.

Safeguarding Policy ‘Promoting a Safer Church’

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 5th December 2018.

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 Jenny Godfrey as the Parish Safeguarding Officer, supported by Sharon Easton as Children’s Champion and Evidence Checker.