Safeguarding

1. This policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 20 May 2024.

   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 Donna Miller as the Parish Safeguarding Officer

   Incumbent – Rev’d Damian Harrison-Miles

   Churchwardens – Jill Wilson and Steve Mason

   Date – 20 May 2024

If anyone has any concerns about safeguarding at our church then please speak immediately to the Rector or, our Parish Safeguarding Officer, Donna Miller. It is essential that all attending and associated with St. James’ Church feel welcomed and included in all of our daily life. We are an Inclusive Church family and, as such, we look after each other.

Local contacts
Local Authority Social Services: Surrey Elmbridge

• Family Lives: 0808 800 2222
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
• Respect Phoneline: 0808 8024040
• National Careline: 0800 0699 784

If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from a Safeguarding Adviser or if necessary report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Services or the Police without delay.

IF THERE IS IMMEDIATE RISK OR DANGER PLEASE CONTACT THE POLICE ON: 999

Other useful nation charities and dedicated helplines include:

• NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
• Childline: 0800 1111
• Stop It Now: 0808 1000 900
• NAPAC: 0808 801 0331
• Samaritans: 116 123

Contacts at St James’ Church, Weybridge:

Name: Donna Miller   Role: Safeguarding Officer
TEL: 07790 005519   Email: safeguarding@stjamesweybridge.org

Name: Reverend Damian Harrison-Miles     Role: Rector of Weybridge
TEL: 01932 481167 or 07815 848735 (Usually off-duty on a Friday)
Email: damomiles@btinternet.com

Diocesan Safeguarding Team
TEL: 01483 790379
Email: safeguarding@cofeguildford.org.uk

You can find out more about Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults at the Diocese of Guildford website: www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding

Safer church_updated 11 Dec 2023

safeguarding-training-pathway Oct 2023