Safeguarding 

Promoting a Safer Church

The Parish of St John Birkdale
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
 
The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 17th July 2024.
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.

Safeguarding and Recruitment Officer: Mrs Abbie Holden

Original signed by Christine Baker
…………………………………………………..                      (Lay Chairman of the PCC)
17th July 2024.