Safeguarding

1.This policy will be reviewed each year to monitor the progress which has been achieved. We recognize that everyone has different levels of vulnerability and that each of us may be regarded as vulnerable at some time in our lives.

• We recognise that a position of power in relation to another creates a risk of vulnerability. As a consequence we strive to ensure that we consider power when working and leading with people.
• We recognise that children by virtue of legal status and dependency on adults for their emotional and physical needs will always be vulnerable and at a disadvantage. We commit to considering this in our children’s activities
• We understand that illness, disability, race, mental health and other issues can put adults in a position of vulnerability. We accept that these can be long term (ongoing), or temporary. We commit to considering this in our adults activities and events
• We commit to transparency in our actions and accountability for our work.

2. As members of this parish we commit ourselves to respectful pastoral care for all adults and children to whom we minister.

• We will consider issues relating to spiritual care in prayer activity. (Being mindful of power, control and spiritual abuse).
• We will ensure that leaders of our children’s activities and any house group leaders as well as other ministries that involve working with vulnerable persons have appropriate enhanced DBS checks.
• We will ensure that those who care for people on behalf of our parish attend appropriate safeguarding training. 3. We commit ourselves to the safeguarding of people who may be vulnerable, ensuring their well-being in the life of this church.

4. We commit ourselves to promoting safe practice by those in positions of trust.

• We will ensure that those in positions of trust (such as Churchwardens), and those with remits or leadership of groups involving vulnerable adults or children have appropriate enhanced DBS checks, updated every 3 years .
• We will engage with appropriate training on safeguarding.
• Safeguarding including revision of policy will be a regular PCC agenda item and agree that whilst we may have a named co-ordinator we will accept collective ownership for this important issue.
• We will be transparent, open and not have secrets.
• We will consider the impact of power, disadvantage, inclusion, disability, age and race on how we provide and plan for our ministry.
• We will actively (but appropriately), challenge each other in our work in order to ensure we consider a wide range of perspectives and views– ensuring that we do not oppressively impose our own values or views to another’s detriment.
• Where a person struggles with an activity due to disadvantage, disability or illness we will attempt to assist them so they can participate and contribute as a full part of the church.

6. It is everyone’s responsibility to prevent the physical, emotional, sexual, financial and spiritual abuse of vulnerable people and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.

• We will not collude, keep secrets or make decisions when we have suspicion of abuse. We will seek through discussion the views of others and ensure through use of external agencies and the diocesan safeguarding service in order to promote a healthy accountable culture.
• We will report without bias to our personal view. We will report and not investigate.
• We will record concerns factually in diocesan suggested formats (recording with care policy 2017)
• We will not take chances with the welfare of children or vulnerable adults.
• We are open to scrutiny and encourage this in others.
• We have zero tolerance to abuse and put the welfare of vulnerable children and adults first.

7. We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of those who will work with people who may be vulnerable.

• We will ensure that those in positions of trust (such as wardens), and those with remits involving vulnerable children or adults have appropriate enhanced DBS checks and that these are updated every 3 years in line with Lichfield Diocesan Policy.
• We will engage with appropriate training.
• Safeguarding including revision of policy will be a regular PCC agenda item and agree that whilst we have a named co-ordinator we will accept collective ownership for this issue.
• We will be transparent, open and not have secrets.
• Our incumbent undertakes to ensure that to the best of his or her knowledge all PCC members, wardens are of good standing.
• The PCC undertakes to appoint and upskill a dedicated Safeguarding co-ordinator. In line with Lichfield Diocesan Policy this will not be either an active parish clergyman or a relative of clergy.
• Our Safeguarding co-ordinator undertakes ensure that diocesan policy is followed.

8. The parish is committed to supporting, resourcing, training and regularly reviewing those who undertake work amongst people who may be vulnerable.

• Our incumbent undertakes to ensure that to the best of his knowledge all PCC members, wardens and ministry leaders are of good standing.
• The PCC undertakes to appoint and enable training of a Safeguarding co-ordinator.
• The Safeguarding co-ordinator undertakes to maintain a relationship with the Diocesan safeguarding team and ensure that this and Diocesan policies are followed.

9. The parish adopts the guidelines of the Church of England and the Diocese of Lichfield.

The Parish will report and record in line with Diocesan policies and comply with local guidance for implementing national policies as defined in diocesan polices. These include the diocesan safeguarding policy, recording with care policy, social media policy and safer recruitment policy.

10. Each person who works with vulnerable people will agree to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by this church.

• Those working with vulnerable adults or children will sign a declaration to state that they have read and agree to abide by the points outlined in this policy.

Here at St Edmunds we are committed to the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable. For further information, please see our Safeguarding Policy.

Any concerns should be raised with our Safeguarding Officer or by using the enquiry form below..