Safeguarding

POLICY STATEMENT ON THE PROTECTION AND SAFEGUARDING OF
CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS

POLICY

  1. The Parochial Church Council (the PCC) of Parish Church of Holy Trinity Church in Ramsgate has adopted:-

Protecting all God’s children edition 4 House of Bishops’ 2010 ‘

The Child Protection Policy for the Church of England’

Promoting a safe church House of Bishops’ 2006

The policy for safeguarding adults in the Church of England

  1. A copy of the full relevant policy is obtainable on the Diocese of Canterbury  website 
  2. A summary of the policy approved for display by the PCC and signed by the church wardens is displayed on the church notice board (copy attached)
  1. PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLEADULTS
    1. Supporting families, parents and carers. It is suggested that vulnerable adult and child protection should be seen within the context of family, parents and carer support. If one supports the family, parents or carer, one supports the vulnerable adult or child or young person. The PCC supports thisapproach.
    2. Confidentiality. The House of Bishops’ child protection policy contains (at page 33) guidance on Confidentiality see also appendix 1 of Promoting a safe church. While respecting the need for confidentiality it is legally possible, appropriate and highly desirable to disclose relevant information to the public authorities for the sake of protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults. The PCC understands both the need for confidentiality and the requirement to disclose information to protect those who are vulnerable.
    3. Insurance The House of Bishops’ Policy Protecting all God’s children page 29 gives advice about insurance for those working with children and young people The PCC has reviewed its arrangements in the light of this advice
    4. Standards in working with children and young people. It is important that the environment in which children and youth groups meet is appropriate and safe. Further advice can be found at page 22 onwards
    5. Protecting all God’s children. The PCC has reviewed its work in the light of this guidance
    6. Specific work/contact with children. The PCC has identified the following children and youth work activity where the House of Bishops’ policy should apply:-
  • Baptism  – Church Wardens supervising services in the church and social activities arranged within the church.
  • Church Wardens supervising services in the church and social activities arranged within the church.
    1. Specific work/contact with Vulnerable Adults. The PCC has identified the following vulnerable adults activity where the House of Bishops’ policy should apply:-
  • Visitation to the elderly or otherwise vulnerable in their homes or accommodation
  • Church Wardens supervising services in the church and social activities arranged within the church
  • Social activities supported by the church held outside of the church building
    1. Support. In all these schemes volunteers will be approved, supported and trained in line with the House of Bishops’ Policy. The Diocese of Canterbury will make training on child protection available in each deanery. Information on training can be found at the safeguarding section of the Diocese of Canterbury website.
    2. Posters will be displayed which feature ChildLine and Parentline contact details. Copies are available via the Diocesan website.
    3. What to do if you are concerned about a particular child or young person. Do not keep this to yourself. Share the concern with someone you can trust who can help you. The PCC agrees this approach.
    4. Monitoring arrangements. This policy, strategy, implementation and development will be reviewed annually by the PCC using the monitoring form provided by the Canterbury Diocese.
    5. Please remember that 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 diocesan safeguarding team first if the matter is urgent.

      Emergency: 999

       

      Childline: 0800 1111

      Stop It Now! (NSPCC): 0808 800 5000

      Elder Abuse: 0808 808 8141

      Domestic Violence: 0808 2000 247