The Parish of St Stephen, Canonbury
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH

Parish Safeguarding Handbook Parish Safeguarding Policy
Church of England
The Parish of St Stephen, Canonbury

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 22/July/2024.

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

*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.

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 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.
*Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may posea risk to children 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 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.

PCC contact via monitored email: safeguarding @ststephenscanonbury.org.uk