Safeguarding


The Parochial Church Council (PCC)  

of St. Michael and All Angels Church, Mickleham (St. Michael’s) 

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting in November 2021 and is reviewed annually.                     

This policy statement actively underpins all safeguarding work within the church.

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within our community, and will ensure that we will:

  1. Adopt and implement the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policy and practice guidance.
  2. Promote and publicise the ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ policy statement, and ensure all church officers have access to it.
  3. Have a plan in place that sets out, in line with national and local priorities, how the policy will be put into action.
  4. Ensure that any person who works with vulnerable groups is aware of and abides by national and local safeguarding guidance.
  5. Review the policy regularly to ensure best practice.

'Promoting a Safer Church' sets out the Church of England’s commitment to making the church a safer place for all. The Policies and Practice Guidance apply to all Church bodies and officers. All authorised clergy, bishops, archdeacons licensed readers and lay workers, churchwardens and PCCs are required by section 5 Clergy Disciplinary Measure to have “due regard” to safeguarding guidance issued by the House of Bishops. The Policy Statement, Policies, Practice Guidance and Protocols are available to view on the diocesan website at www.cofeguildford.org.uk/safeguardingpolicy together with the Parish Handbook.

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 vulnerable 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.
  • Following advice from the DSA support and manage the safe involvement of 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 procedures and risk assessments are in place for all activities 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.

As a church we are committed to keeping everyone safe, children, young people and adults alike. We follow the National Church of England policies for safeguarding, and encourage PCC members, Deanery Synod representatives, those who work with children and young people, and all those who regularly volunteer in different ministries, to attend safeguarding training. Many of our ministries, such as those who work with children or young people, are required to undertake DBS checks.

Diocese of Guildford Review of Safeguarding Concerns

Are you a survivor or victim of church related abuse? Could you help the Diocese of Guildford to learn from the past and protect the future?

 

The Diocese of Guildford is currently reviewing all its records, across all 162 parishes, to ensure that all safeguarding concerns and allegations have been identified, reported, and appropriately actioned. Critical to this are the voices of survivors and victims. The Diocese of Guildford wants to listen to and to learn from your experiences and ensure that your voices are heard throughout this review process.  You can find the safeguarding review using this link.  PCR2 information 2.pdf (dropbox.com)


Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is:

Vickie Leney

Email:

safeguarding@micklehamchurch.org.uk

 

Telephone:

01306 884054


The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser is:

Jane Huttly

Email:

jane.huttly@cofeguildford.org.uk

 

Telephone:

07552 530355

 

 

 


The Church of England document 'Promoting a Safer Church' can be found at:
https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2017-11/cofe-policy-statement.pdf

The Guildford Diocese offer further information at:
https://www.cofeguildford.org.uk/about/safeguarding-inclusion/safeguarding-policy


Signed:   Sandra Faccini (Parish Priest)

Name:     Reverend Dr. Sandra Faccini

Date:       July 2023 (reviewed)

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