Safeguarding Policy

The Parish of St Mary’s Tadley North, hereafter referred to as ‘the Parish’, is committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of the children and vulnerable adults within our church community, and also to encouraging an environment where all people and especially those who may be vulnerable are able to worship and pursue their faith journey with encouragement and in safety. 

We are also committed to the implementation of the Diocese of Winchester Child Protection Manual and Vulnerable Adults Manual,  available at: http://windiocese.wpengine.com/resources/safeguarding/ and the relevant statutory legislation and guidance for the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Parish Safeguarding Policy Statements

Each Church year the St Mary’s Tadley North PCC, hereafter referred to as ‘the PCC’, will agree the Parish Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy Statements, displaying each copy in the Church and forwarding one copy of each to the Diocesan Safeguarding Office for their records.

Parish Safeguarding Representatives

The PCC will appoint a minimum of one Safeguarding Representative who will be responsible on behalf of the Minister and PCC for implementing the Diocesan guidelines in respect of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. The Parish Safeguarding Representative agrees to undertake the key responsibilities of the role as outlined in the Diocesan Safeguarding Guide.

Currently our Children’s/Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding Representative is:

Peter Wood – Safeguarding Officer Contact: safeguarding@st-marys-church-tadley.org.uk

Quick Reference

*Immediate Risk*If you are concerned that a child or vulnerable adult may be at immediate risk, contact the Police	999
*Registering a Concern*	01962 737317 safeguarding@winchester.anglican.org
*Out of Hours Service*If you need immediate advice or help on Monday to Friday 6pm – 8am or on weekend and Bank Holidays	0300 555 1373

Paid Workers and/or Volunteers

All those who undertake work in a regulated activity with children and/or vulnerable adults in the parish on a voluntary or paid basis will be required to:

• Complete a Confidential Self Declaration Form (see Appendix A)

and/or

• To complete the necessary vetting application (DBS) (apply to Safeguarding Office for appropriate DBS Forms

The Parish will seek to ensure that a DBS check is only requested after a risk assessment has indicated that it is both proportionate and relevant to the position (paid or voluntary) concerned.  Using the appropriate risk assessment procedures the following parish posts have been identified as requiring a risk analysis check. See current Risk Analysis – Appendix D.

Parish Clergy

Retired Clergy

PTO Clergy

Licensed Lay Minister

Church Wardens

Lay workers –

Organist

Sunday school teacher

Sunday school helpers

Crèche helpers

Adult Servers

Sacristan

Sidespeople

Welcomers

Administrator

Church Hall cleaners

Ministry team member

Pastoral assistants

Bereavement Team

Drivers   (Service pickup Rota)

All results of DBS checks will be held securely by the Safeguarding Officer. Declarations and DBS checks must be undertaken every five years, or sooner if the individual moves to a new post, (unless the application was obtained in the previous six months and the nature of the work is similar).

Any person refusing such checks will not be allowed to work with or have unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults in the parish.

All those who work with children and/or vulnerable adults on a regular basis will be made aware of and should familiarise themselves with the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, and will be encouraged to attend Diocesan Safeguarding training.

Children’s Activities, Groups and Events

The following children’s, young person’s and mixed age activities have been identified as PCC endorsed events and activities that fall under the Diocesan Safeguarding Procedures:

• Sunday School                                         
• Bible Study                               
• Youth Group  Age 11-16 years. 

All children and young people wishing to attend the above activities will be provided with a Registration Form Appendix B, which must be completed and signed by their parents/carers before they take part.

Children who wish to take part in additional events such as church outings, holidays or sleepovers will not be allowed to participate in such activities unless the leaders of such event(s) receive a completed consent form from the parents or guardians of the child concerned, even if the parent or guardian accompanies the child on any such trip or activity.  A new form must be completed for each separate activity.

Consideration will be given at all times for the health, safety and welfare of each child and young person, including supervision ratios, transport, first aid, premises and children with special needs.

Vulnerable Adults Activities, Groups and Events

The following have been identified as PCC endorsed groups, events and activities that fall under the Diocesan Safeguarding Procedures:

• Pastoral Care Visiting Service                    
• Parish Tea/Lunch Club                                
• Home Communion                                  

Consideration will be given at all times for the health, safety and welfare of the vulnerable adult, including transport, first aid, premises and adults with special needs.

Hire of Church Premises

All those who book or use the church hall on a regular basis shall be required to sign a copy of the parish booking agreement and a declaration that they have read and understand the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, or that they agree to abide by their own organisation’s safeguarding procedures.