Safeguarding

The Christ Church Parochial Church Council (PCC) has adopted the Church of England 'Promoting a Safer Church'  Policy Statement as well as the House of Bishop's Practice Guidance, supports the Diocesan Safeguarding Protocols, and has a Safeguarding Officer who can be contacted by clicking here.

'Promoting a Safer Church' sets out the Church of England's commitment to making the church a safe place for all.

The Policies and Practice Guidance apply to all church bodies and church officers, including all clergy, bishops, archdeacons, licenced readers, lay workers, church wardens and PCCs. They must have due regard to safeguarding guidance issued by the House of Bishops.  

The Policy Statement, Policies Guidance sand Protocols are available to view on the Diocesan website.

Christ  Church is committed to the support, nurture and protection of all in our church community  and will seek to ensure that we:
•            provide 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 - Helen Simkins.
•            safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and vulnerable 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 takes 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.
•            following advice from the DSA support and manage the safe involvement of 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 procedures and risk assessments are in place for all activities 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 is required to agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this Church.. 

The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser can be contacted on 01483 790 379 or by emailing safeguarding@cofeguildford.org.uk