St Michael’s Bray with Braywood Safeguarding Policy.
Promoting a Safer Church
The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 31 July 2024.
Date of next review is Summer 2025.
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In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:
- Promoting a safer environment and culture, in person or online.
- 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, in person or online.
- 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 the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
- Have a link on all pages of the parish website to this safeguarding policy.
- 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 Team 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.
- Inform the Diocesan Safeguarding Team if we use an alternative DBS Umbrella Body to APCS and if we receive any DBS Disclosures that are not clear.
- 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.
Key Roles
Parish Safeguarding Officer and Children’s Advocate. Natasha Teeder, Tel: 01628 674469
Appointing Body Convened when needed. At least two people: the incumbent or a churchwarden, and the Safeguarding Officer.
Registered body for DBS Disclosures: APCS (Access Personal Checking Services Limited) Incumbent: Rev. Ainsley Swift Churchwardens: Helen Pearson and Lynn Olney
For more information: Promoting a Safer Church