Safeguarding Information

Reporting Concerns

If, during any church activities, you are concerned that a child or vulnerable adult has been harmed or is at risk of harm, do not hesitate to contact any of the following:

Parish Safeguarding Officers: Elaine Kilgannon 0790 320 9916

Team Rector Rev. Canon Caroline Dick, 07947 741517

Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser – Beth Miller, tel. 07968 034075
Diocese Safeguarding Information:
https://durhamdiocese.org/safeguarding/

If you are unable to speak to the Safeguarding Adviser and a child, young person or adult is at immediate risk of harm please call 999.

Parish Safeguarding Policy

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 10^th November 2020

In accordance with the Church of England’s House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy our church is 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 Parish 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 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.
• Care will be taken to ensure safeguarding procedures and responsibilities consider the needs of all who may be vulnerable.
• 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.

This church appoints: Elaine Kilgannon as the Parish Safeguarding Officer

Incumbent:  Revd Canon Caroline Dick

Churchwardens:  Barbara Gow, Philip Blackburn, Duncan Cadd

PCC reviewed and updated this policy: