Safeguarding Policy

St John the Evangelist, Caterham Valley

PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH

We take the safeguarding and care of children and vulnerable adults very seriously at St John the Evangelist, Caterham Valley. Below is our policy statement.

Scroll down to see contact details of our Parish Safeguarding Officers, Churchwardens and Diocesan Safeguarding Officers.
Also, information abouit where to get help with child and adult safeguarding issues from the local authority and other bodies.

POLICY STATEMENT

We, the PCC at St John’s Church Caterham Valley, endorse fully the Church of England’s safeguarding policy statement; “Promoting a Safer Church” which states:

“The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of the whole Church. Everyone who participates in the life of the Church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.”

We have also adopted the Principles of the House of Bishops on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk who enter our church which is based on the following six overarching policy commitments:

• 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

RELEVANT DOCUMENTS AND POLICIES

Southwark Diocesan Safeguarding Advice – A Safe Church

St John's Safeguarding Policy 2019

St John's Safeguarding Report 2019

St John’s Policy – Responding to Domestic Abuse 2019

The care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of the church.

IF YOU ARE CONCERNED that someone you know is at risk or is being abused, or presents a risk to others please seek advice from a safeguarding advisor or if necessary, report the matter to the Local Authority, Social care services or the police without delay.

LOCAL CONTACTS available to speak to if you have any concerns

Parish Safeguarding officers

Lucy Hubery
Susan Gibbin
Contact a Safeguarding Officer

Churchwardens

Julie Woodland
Brian Edwards
Contact a Churchwarden

Diocesan Safeguarding Officer

Kate Singleton

In hours: 020 7939 9423

Out of hours: 07982 279713.

kate.singleton@southwark.anglican.org

Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Officers

Marie Daly: 020 7939 9441 Mobile: 07946 255295

marie.daly@southwark.anglican.org

Louise Vernon 020 7939 9462 Mobile: 07946 255622

louise.vernon@southwark.anglican.org

Local Authority

Local Authority Safeguarding Team, MASH
Tel: 0300 470 9100
Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (Mash)

Surrey Children's Safeguarding
Surrey Safeguarding Children's Board

Surrey Adult Safeguarding
Surrey Adult Safeguarding Board

Key helpline information

• NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours)
  Phone if you are worried about a child
• Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours)
  Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything
• National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours
  Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse
• Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours)
  Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to
• Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 0808 808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9am-5pm)

The current edition of A Safe Church may be found here: A Safe Church

If there is immediate risk or danger please contact the police on 101