Safeguarding

Safeguarding in the parishes of Holy Trinity, Penn and St Margaret’s, Tylers Green

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 Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC 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 front page of 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 Team 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.
  • Inform the Diocesan Safeguarding Team if we use an alternative DBS Umbrella Body to APCS and if we receive any DBS Disclosures that are not clear.
  • Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.

Our Safeguarding Officers are:

St Margaret’s Emma Byrne 01494 812611 ejwbyrne@outlook.com
Holy Trinity Hilary Forbes 01494 816438 hforbes@pennsoft.co.uk

 

The Vicar, Mike Bissett may be contacted on 01494 816700 or vicar@holytrinityandstmargarets.co.uk

Reporting Abuse

  • If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger, or requires immediate medical attention, call emergency services on 999.
  • If you do not think there is a risk of immediate harm, you should still speak to our Safeguarding Officer or Vicar about your concern as soon as possible.
  • Our Safeguarding Officer should be informed about any case where a child or vulnerable adult appears to be at risk or where an adult appears to present a risk. They should be informed straight away of any safeguarding concerns involving a Church Officer. A ‘Church Officer’ is anyone appointed/elected by or on behalf of the Church to a post or role, whether they are ordained or lay, paid or unpaid.

Diocesan Safeguarding Team

Should you wish to contact the Diocesan Team (the Bishop of Oxford’s team), please use the following contacts:

For further information see:

Safeguarding – Promoting Safer Church

Safeguarding – St Margaret’s Procedure – flowchart

Safeguarding – St Margaret’s policy on recruitment of Young Offenders

Safeguarding – St Margaret’ Social Media Policy

Parish Safeguarding Handbook

Hire agreement v1

 

Updated 19/11/2020