Safeguarding

Safeguarding policies

This is to certify that the PCC of the Parish of Blaydon has adopted the following safeguarding policies:

1. Promoting a safer church (House of Bishops’ council 2017)
2. Diocesan Safeguarding Policy (version 2019.1)
3. Responding Well to Domestic Abuse practice Guidance (2017)
4. Safer Recruitment Practice Guidance (2016)

Safeguarding Policy – Promoting a Safer Church

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our Parish is committed to:

• Promoting a safe environment and culture
• Safely recruiting and supporting all those with responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within our churches
• 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 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 clergy and the PCC to implement policy and procedure
• 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
• Maintain a register of DBS checked personnel
• Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children, young people 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, young people and adults when a safeguarding issue of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO) 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, young people 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 including external groups who use church buildings 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 parish community will agree by this policy and the guidelines established by this parish.

This PCC appoints Heather Dixon as the Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO)

This policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council meeting held on 06 March 2019 and reviewed March 2020

Contact Details:
PSO Tel: 0191 4960570 email: heather.dixon7@btinternet.com
DSO Tel: 0796 8034075 email: beth.miller@durham.anglican.org