Safeguarding at St. Andrew’s, Dacre

Church of England Parish Safeguarding Policy

The Parish of St Andrew’s Church, Dacre

SAFEGUARDING POLICY – PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH

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 pose a 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.

This church appoints David Harrison as the Parish Safeguarding Officer

Incumbent             Revd Catherine Helm

Churchwardens     Robert Hasell-McCosh, Mrs. Jane Hasell- McCosh.

Endorsed at the 12th May 2024 APCM

Safeguarding in the Parish of St. Andrew’s Church, Dacre

Our Policy

The Parish of St. Andrew’s Church, Dacre  has adopted the Church’s policy (Promoting a Safer Church) that puts children, young people & vulnerable adults at the centre of our concerns, and we have adopted the safeguarding policy and guidance agreed by the House of Bishops.

 Signed:  Vicar in Charge for St Andrew’s, Dacre. Date:   12thMay 2024

 Who’s Who in our Parish

Priest in Charge  Revd Catherine Helm.  Contact number 07907404686

Distinctive Deacon  Revd Gordon Dugmore Contact number 07546082324

Churchwardens            Robert Hasell-McCosh,

                                        Jane Hasell-McCosh

Parish Safeguarding Officer (for safeguarding concerns in respect of children or vulnerable adults)

David Harrison –  Contact number 07810346838

Who else can be contacted in an emergency? 

Diocesan Safeguarding Officer   Joanna Van Lachterop   Contact number 07458 016884

safeguarding.adviser@carlislediocese.org.uk

If a child is at immediate risk contact Cumbria Children’s Services on 0333 240 1727 (24-hour service) or dial 999

If there is concern about a vulnerable adult, ring Adult Social Care, Mon-Thurs 9 am-5 pm, Friday 9 am-4:30 pm on 03003033249.

At other times, including bank holidays, contact the Emergency Duty Team on 01228 5266