Seven Churches in South Oxfordshire

Safeguarding

The Langtree Team Ministry

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH

The following policy was agreed at the Langtree Team Council meeting held on January 16th 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 that may pose a present risk to others.

The Benefice will:

  • Create a safe and caring place for all.
  • Allow time for the p/t Team Administrator to work with the incumbent and the PCCs to implement policy and procedures. Specifically the Team Administrator will identity check those seeking a DBS from APCS, acting as the “verifier” for the PCCs of the Benefice.
  • 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 front page of the team 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 Team 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.
  • Inform the Diocesan Safeguarding Team if we use an alternative DBS Umbrella Body to APCS and if we receive any DBS Disclosures that contain information.
  • 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.

Incumbent ………………Revd Kevin Davies…………………………………………………………………………………….

For the Team Council …….Mr David Kelley………………………………………………………………………………………..

Diocesan Area Safeguarding officer: 07341 866832

Date:………11/1/23……………………………….

 

 

 

Reviewed January 2023

 

If you would like to download a copy of this policy you may find it here:

Safeguarding-policy-Langtree 2023