Safeguarding"The Church of England, its archbishops, bishops, clergy and leaders are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church. Safeguarding means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means we will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, work to prevent abuse from occurring, seek to protect those that are at risk of being abused and respond well to those that have been abused. We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others, and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks. The Church of England affirms the ‘Whole Church’ approach to safeguarding. This approach encompasses a commitment to consistent policy and practice across all Church bodies, Church Officers and that everyone associated with the Church, who comes into contact with children, young people and adults, has a role to play. The Church will take appropriate steps to maintain a safer environment for all and to practice fully and positively Christ's Ministry towards children, young people and adults; to respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help keep them safe from harm." - Introduction from the House of Bishops' Safeguarding Policy "Promoting a Safer Church" The Washingborough Group of Churches (namely St John's Washingborough, St Thomas' Heighington and All Saints Canwick) have adopted and implemented the policies as outlined in the House of Bishops' Safeguarding Policy "Promoting a Safer Church". We will ensure that all three of our churches provide a safe environment where children, young people and adults can worship safely and grow in faith. What if I have concerns about a person or a situation? If you have concerns that a person within one of our churches is not behaving appropriately, or that a situation has developed that may potentially be unsafe, then you should talk to someone in authority. Such people include.
Alternatively if you would like to speak to someone outside of the Washingborough Group of Churches, you can talk to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
Further information from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be found here. What if the situation is urgent? If you have a serious concern about a child or adult at risk you should contact the Police or the local authority safeguarding team in your area. Please note: you do not need to speak to the either the local Safeguarding Officer or the Diocesan Safeguarding Team first if the matter is urgent. What if I have general concerns not connected with the Church, or need help myself? There are a number of organisations you can get in touch with who can help you. These include
Where can I find more information on the Church of England Safeguarding Policies? Further details on the Church of England's Safeguarding policies, including "Protecting All God's Children (safeguarding policy for children and young people, 4th edition, 2010)" and "Promoting a Safe Church (safeguarding policy for adults, 2006)" can be found on the Safeguarding page of the Church of England at "https://www.churchofengland.org/more/safeguarding/policy-practice-guidance" |