The Parish of Chelmsford Ascension with All Saints
Safeguarding Policy
SAFEGUARDING POLICY PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH
The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the Parish of Chelmsford Ascension with All Saints.
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 any member of the church community who pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
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.
The church appoints Faith Hargreaves as the Safeguarding Officer.
Priest in charge - Revd Simon Pearce
Churchwarden - Chris Anderson.
Contacts and further information
If in doubt about any safeguarding matter contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team (DST) whose job it is to offer advice, guidance and support in all situations in which a child or adult may be at risk. For this purpose, the DST can be contacted at any time on 01245 294444.
Parish Safeguarding Officers (PSO)
Faith Hargreaves email: fhsafeguardingawass1@gmail.com
Diocesan Safeguarding Team
Contact Details: 01245 294444 (24/7) or email: safeguarding@chelmsford.anglican.org
Safeguarding contact details for Essex County Council
24 hour telephone line for Safeguarding issues (both children and adults): 0845 606 1212.
General switchboard for Essex County Council: 01245 430430
Children’s Services: 0845 603 7627 Adult Services: 0845 603 7630
National Helplines
Childline: 0800 1111 NSPCC: 0808 500 8000
Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 200 0247
MACSAS (Ministers and clergy sexual abuse survivors): www.macsas.org.uk
Mencap Learning Disability Helpline: 0808 808 1111
This policy was adopted by the PCC on 28th November 2023.
Annual Policy Review
This is to confirm that the PCC of the Parish of Chelmsford Ascension with All Saints has reviewed this policy and found no amendments are needed.
Date reviewed and agreed by PCC