KEEPING SAFE
Most of the time at church we are like a big and happy family. However there are times even in happy families where people can have a bad day and even people we know and trust can upset us. We want to help everyone have a good day all of the time. We try to make sure that people who have jobs in the church always behave well and in a way that is helpful to you. We never want anyone or anything in church to frighten you, confuse you or worry you.
It is important that you tell us if something is upsetting you or if you are feeling worried about something that’s happening or something somebody is doing. We have specially trained people who you can talk to and who you can ask for help. These people are good at safeguarding. This means they look after everyones safety.
What if I have concerns about a person or a situation?
The people who can help you are:
- Our Vicar, Rev Jim Prestwood, who can be contacted by email: jim.prestwood@stswithins.org.uk or by phone: 01522 275067
- Our Associate Vicar, Rev Ben Brady, who can be contacted by email: ben.brady@stswithins.org.uk or by phone: 01522 275067
- Our Safeguarding Officer, Rosemary Brooks, who can be contacted at safeguarding@stswithins.org.uk
Alternatively, you can talk to the Lincoln Diocesan Safeguarding Team, details of which can be found here. During office hours, to speak to the Duty Safeguarding Professional, please email safeguarding@lincoln.anglican.org. There is also information on their website about other places where you can get help or advice.
Caring for people is a very important part of our Christian life. The church has adopted all the policies listed on the Lincoln Diocese website here and a copy of our Parish Safeguarding policy can be found here along with a copy of the PCC statement - ‘promoting a safer church’ . The Whistleblowing Policy can be found here.
All leaders of activities involving children, young people or vulnerable adults are DBS checked and appropriately trained. They are required to operate within the terms of our Parish Safeguarding Handbook.
What if the situation is urgent?
If you have a serious concern about a child or adult at risk you should contact the Police or the Local Authority Safeguarding Team in your area. Please note that you do not need to speak to the local Safeguarding Officer or the Diocesan Safeguarding Team first if the matter is urgent.
What if I have general concerns not connected with the Church, or need help myself?
There are a number of organisations you can get in touch with who can help you. These include:
- The Emergency Services (Urgent): 999
- Local Police: 101
- Childline: 0800 1111
- Stop It Now! (NSPCC): 0808 800 5000
- Elder Abuse: 0808 808 8141
- Domestic Violence: 0808 2000 247
Where can I find more information on the Church of England Safeguarding Policies?
Further details on the Church of England's Safeguarding policies, including Protecting All God's Children (safeguarding policy for children and young people, 4th edition, 2010) and Promoting a Safe Church (safeguarding policy for adults, 2006) can be found on the Safeguarding page of the Church of England website here.
“The Church of England, its archbishops, bishops, clergy and leaders are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church.
Safeguarding means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means we will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, work to prevent abuse from occurring, seek to protect those that are at risk of being abused and respond well to those that have been abused. We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others, and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks.
The Church of England affirms the ‘Whole Church’ approach to safeguarding. This approach encompasses a commitment to consistent policy and practice across all Church bodies, Church Officers and that everyone associated with the Church, who comes into contact with children, young people and adults, has a role to play.
The Church will take appropriate steps to maintain a safer environment for all and to practice fully and positively Christ’s ministry towards children, young people and adults; to respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help keep them safe from harm.”