SAFEGUARDING
Our safeguarding policy
We take the care of children and vulnerable adults very seriously and work hard to ensure that we operate in line with current best practice, as recommended by the Diocese of London and the Church of England.
We believe the care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults who are involved in church activities is the responsibility of the whole Church. Everyone who participates in the life of the Church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.
We committ to the following:
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We accept and endorse the principles of ‘Safeguarding in the Diocese of London’.
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We commit ourselves to nurture, protect and safeguard all our members, particularly children, young people and adults at risk.
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We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church community.
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We undertake to exercise proper care in the selection, appointment, training and support of those working in both paid and voluntary positions with children, young people or adults at risk, including the use of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosures and making appropriate referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Services.
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We will respond without delay to concerns or allegations that a child, young person or adult at risk may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and social care services in any investigation.
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We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.
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We will seek to offer pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them appropriate pastoral support.
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We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or adult at risk.
Other helpful information
Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers
Telephone: 020 7932 1224
Email: safeguarding@london.anglican.org
Thirtyone:Eight’s 24-hour helpline - 0303 003 1111
Family Lives - 0808 800 222
Childline - 0800 1111
Domestic Abuse help
Women’s Aid
Telephone: 0808 2000 247
Website: www.womensaid.org.uk
Refuge
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 - freephone, 24-hour.
Website: www.refuge.org.uk
National Centre for Domestic Violence - free, fast emergency injunction service.
24 hour Telephone: 0800 970 2070
Website: www.ncdv.org.uk