St. Barnabas takes it’s safeguarding responsibility for children, young people and vulnerable adults very seriously and their welfare is paramount in all areas of parish life.

Safeguarding Policy Statement

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 Priest-In-Charge 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. They will be advised on the process of a disclosure, should they have a concern, and who that concern needs to be informed during all activities.

The PCC has formally adopted the House of Bishop’s Promoting a Safer Church

FURTHER DIOCESE SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION

Diocese of Portsmouth – Safeguarding

IN THE PARISH
Caroline Vost – Parish Safeguarding Officer
07542 706642 or parishsafeguarding@stbarnabas.org.uk

DIOCESE SAFEGUARDING ADVICE

• Diocese safeguarding team Monday to Thursday, 9am-5pm, via 023-9289 9665 or safeguarding@portsmouth.anglican.org.
• Out of Hours advice from the Thirtyone:eight helpline on 0303 003 1111, selecting option 2

SOCIAL SERVICES
Children – 0300 5551373

OUT OF HOURS
Adults – 0300 5551386