Safeguarding Policy Part 2

Safeguarding policy for Working with Children and Vulnerable Adults

We agree that each PCC:

1) Accepts the prime duty of care placed upon the Parish Priest and Parochial Church Council (PCCs) to ensure the well-being of children and vulnerable adults in the church community.

2) Adopts and implements this child protection policy and procedures, based on the Diocesan Safeguarding policy and the House of Bishops 'Protecting all God’s Children'

3) Will each appoint a co-ordinator(s) to work with the Parish Priest and the PCCs to implement policy and procedures. The co-ordinator(s) must ensure that any concerns are dealt with according to the Diocesan policy and legislative requirements.

The PCC of St Sennen has appointed Mrs Jean Jefferies to be the Safeguarding Coordinator. She shares the responsibility for safeguarding in the Parish with the Parish Priest.

The PCCs recognize the following areas of work with children and vulnerable adults :-

The PCCs have authorised people to work with children and vulnerable adults in the church. The current list is held by the Safeguarding officer of the PCC and the Parish Priest, and is available for inspection by appointment.

Each PCC will: 

1. Display the Childline telephone number and details of how to contact the coordinators

2. Ensure that all those authorized to work with children and vulnerable adults or in a position of authority have undertaken a DBS Disclosure check and been appropriately appointed. These include:

• Licensed and Ordained ministers
• Worship leaders
• Youth group leaders and Sunday School leaders
• ‘Messy Church’ leaders
• Pastoral ministry team/licensed lay pastoral ministers
• Bell-ringing leaders
• Church wardens

3. Ensure that all such authorized personnel are trained, supported and provided with a copy of the Parish and Diocesan Safeguarding Policy and Guidelines.

4. Pay particular attention to all those with specific needs, including those from ethnic minorities, in order to ensure their full integration and protection within the church community.

5. Create a culture of informed vigilance which takes safeguarding seriously through:  

• Regular reviews of any issues at the PCC meetings
• Regular review of the policy and other documentation relating to Safeguarding
• A register of those with DBS clearance and the training they have received
• Displaying all relevant paperwork in church clearly, and keeping it in good condition
• Ensuring any publicity about the churches carries details of the Safeguarding Policy  web sites, contact forms for youth/children’s work etc
• Ensuring that volunteers who work with young people and children are aware of the Benefice policy and who to contact in each PCC
• Supporting the Safeguarding Coordinator(s) in their role and review their work annually

6. Ensure that appropriate pastoral care is available for any person who has made a disclosure.

7. Provide, as appropriate, support for all parents and families in the congregation.

8. Ensure that those who may pose a threat to children and vulnerable adults are effectively managed and monitored using the support of the diocesan safeguarding officer and a personal contract with the church.

9. Provide appropriate insurance cover for all activities undertaken in the name of the Parish.

10. Review the implementation of the safeguarding policy, procedures and good practice annually.

The above has been discussed and implemented by each PCC.