Safeguarding at St Paul’s

The Parish of St Paul’s, Woodford Bridge

Safeguarding Policy

Promoting a Safer Church

The following updated policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 17 July 2023.

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 who may pose a present risk to others.

The church 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 update and 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 the 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 Advisor (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 maintain 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 the church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

The church appoints Alan R D Clark MBE as the Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) who can be contacted by telephoning 07903 733 497 or e-mail at safeguardingstpaulsWB@outlook.com

Incumbent: Revd Alexandra Podd

Churchwardens: Mr Paul Malam and Mr Len Stevens.