Safeguarding

The parish of Monks Risborough with Owlswick is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer, PSO. The Diocese of Oxford’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

Monks Risborough PCC Parish Safeguarding Policy

Promoting a safer Church

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on:  23 January 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 front page of 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 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 receive any DBS Disclosures that are not clear.
  • 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 …Mrs. Angeline Vere………………… as the Parish Safeguarding Officer.

Incumbent      ………….Rev. Peter Godden…………………………………………………….

Churchwardens ……Mrs. S. Ingram……………………………………….

 

                                     ……Mr. P. Woodward-Court……………………………..

 

Date:……23 January..2024……………………….

Contact Details

Team Vicar: Revd. Peter Godden:, The Rectory, Mill Lane, Monks Risborough, HP27 9JE

Telephone: 01844 274771   email: revpetergodden@outlook.com

Safeguarding Officer: Angeline Vere, Underhill, Peters Lane, Monks Risborough, HP27 0LQ

Telephone: 01844 343006   email: angeline.vere@btinternet.com

Diocesan Head of Safeguarding: Louise Whitehead

Telephone: 01865 208295

Local Authority Social Services First Response:    

Telephone: 01296 383962

Emergency out of hours: 0800 999 7677

Helplines:

National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC): 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.

Childline: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.

Stop It Now! Helping Prevent Child Sexual Abuse Helpline: 0808 1000 900. Phone if you are concerned about child sexual abuse and its prevention.

National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC): 0808 801 0331

National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.

Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.

Family Lives (Formerly known as Parentline): 0808 800 2222

Hourglass (formerly known as Action On Elder Abuse):  0808 8088 141 (line is open 24 hours)

 

January 2024

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