Safeguarding Policy 2024-2025

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 10th Sept 2024.

Holy Trinity Church Barnstaple fully recognizes and accepts the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy Statement “Promoting a Safer Church 2017”, and commits to complying with the current Church of England and Diocesan safeguarding policies and practice guidance.  In so doing we will comply with the secular multi-agency safeguarding procedures relating to children and young people and adults experiencing or at risk of harm, abuse or neglect.

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy Holy Trinity Church Barnstaple 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.

·         Ensure that any individual organization renting/using our premises for activities involving children, young people or vulnerable adults is aware of this, our Safeguarding Policy, and aware of their own individual responsibilities to have appropriate safeguarding policies and processes in place, including safer recruitment.

·         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 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.

·         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 Rachel Keenan as the Parish Safeguarding Officer and Lee Hurrell as the Assistant Safeguarding Officer.

The PCC appoints Linda Pinfold as the Children’s Advocate.

Incumbent Rev. Paul Taylor.             Churchwardens Andrew Keenan and Suzanne Pentney-Tighe.

Next Review Date: Sept 2025