Safeguarding Policy

Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

If you are concerned that a child or an adult is, or may be, at risk of abuse this should be reported immediately (and certainly within 24 hours) to the Parish Safeguarding Officer or the clergy listed above. If it is a non-emergency situation you can report this either in person to the Parish Safeguarding Officer by telephone, and they will then contact the Diocese Safeguarding Officer and ensure that we respond appropriately. We will do everything we can to support the person at risk. If it is an Emergency situation, and you believe the child or adult is in immediate danger of significant harm, then you should call 999 before reporting it to one of the Safeguarding Officers.

Parish of Chilworth Safeguarding Officer, Mrs Nina Kingshott safeguarding@parishofchilworth.org.uk Phone: 07557 335085

Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser Jackie Broadfoot – contactable on 07918 559387 or jackie.broadfoot@cofeguildford.org.uk.

The Parish of Chilworth

SAFEGUARDING POLICY -PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 2^nd November 2023.

In accordance with the Church of England 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.
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 Mrs Nina Kingshott as the Parish Safeguarding Officer

Email: safeguarding@parishofchilworth.org.uk Phone: 07557 335085

Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser Jackie Broadfoot – contactable on 07918 559387 or jackie.broadfoot@cofeguildford.org.uk.

Incumbent Reverend David Oakden

Churchwarden - Mr Richard Melhuish & Ms Helen Corbett