Safeguarding Policy
The Benefice of Somersham with Old Hurst, Pidley-cum-Fenton and Woodhurst
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH
The following policy was agreed with the Rector on 20th February 2024.
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy 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 Parishes will:
- Create a safe and caring place for all.
- Have a named Benefice Safeguarding Officer (BSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCCs 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 Benefice 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 these church communities will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this Benefice.
This Benefice appoints Lesley Bowring as the Benefice Safeguarding Officer.
Incumbent: Revd Sue Simpson
Date: 20th February 2024
Contacts
Lesley can be contacted via email at safeguarding@somershamparishes.org
In due course the Benefice Safeguarding Policy document will be updated to show the change in post holder.
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Rebecca Boswell
Email: rebecca.boswell@elydiocese.org
Tel: 01353 652731
Reporting a Concern or Seeking Advice
Safeguarding Duty Phone: 01353 652747
Links
The Diocese of Ely Safeguarding information can be found here.
Benefice Policy Documents
Benefice Policy Documents concerning safeguarding can be downloaded from the links below: