KEEPING SAFE

Most of the time at church we are like a big happy family. However even in very happy families people can have a bad day and even people we know and trust can upset us. We want to help everyone have good days all the time. We try to make sure that people who have jobs in the church always behave well and in a way that is helpful to you. We never want anyone or anything in church to frighten you, confuse you or worry you. It is important that you tell us if something is upsetting you or if you are worried about something that’s happening or something somebody is doing. We have specially trained people who you can talk to and who you can ask for help. These people are good at safeguarding. This means they look after everyone's safety. Caring for people is a very important part of our Christian life.

People who can help you

The people who can help you are the parish priest, your own Parish Safeguarding Champion (PSC) or the Group Safeguarding Officer (GSO)

If you wish to speak to someone outside the church you can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team: 01522 504070

There is also information there about other places from where you can get help. Click here

The numbers below will also take you to additional national and regional services who can provide appropriate help:
Childline: 0800 1111
EdanLincs (Domestic Abuse): 01522 510041
Men’s Advice Line: 0808 8010327
Elder Abuse Hotline: 0800 0699 784
Safe Spaces: 0300 303 1056

The Benefice of the Walesby Group
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH

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.

Each Parish will:

• Create a safe and caring place for all.
• Have a named Parish Safeguarding Champion (PSC) to work with the Rector, Group Safeguarding Officer (GSO) and the PCC to implement the ‘Benefice of the Walesby Group’ Safeguarding 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.

Each church will display the latest 'Promoting A Safer Church' posters with current local contact information - these are available to download from the diocesan website via this link: Click here