A Safe Church Safeguarding children and adults who may be vulnerable Diocesan Policies, Procedures and Guidelines for PCCs, Material compiled by Jill Sandham, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser The Diocese of Southwark A Safe Church

Who does ‘A Safe Church’ apply to? Procedures apply to:  all clergy and licensed ministers  all diocesan employees  all paid and voluntary workers in parishes  all activities which take place on premises for which the PCC is responsible The Diocese of Southwark A Safe Church

What is ‘A Safe Church’ based on? Compliant with safeguarding law and statutory guidelines Follows Church of England policies in safeguarding children, adults who may be vulnerable and responding to domestic abuse Compiled by diocesan working groups with expertise Consultation and scrutiny by Diocesan Registrar, Ecclesiastical, parishes, diocesan committees et al Annual review by Safeguarding Reference Group The Diocese of Southwark A Safe Church

Terminology What does safeguarding mean? o Promoting the welfare.. o Keeping safe from harm, such as illness, abuse or injury o Creating a framework where risks of harm to welfare are minimised o Taking appropriate action to address concerns about welfare What is child and adult protection? o Protecting from mistreatment, abuse and harm. The Diocese of Southwark A Safe Church

Terminology Who is a child? o All children and young people under the age of 18 Who is a vulnerable adult? o Any adult aged 18 or over who, by reason of mental or other disability, age, illness or other situation is permanently or for the time being unable to take care of him or herself, or to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation. The Diocese of Southwark A Safe Church

What factors may make adults vulnerable? Age Physical or mental health Physical or learning disability Bereavement and relationship breakdown History of abuse History of offending Substance or alcohol dependence The Diocese of Southwark A Safe Church

What factors may make adults vulnerable? Implications:  Vulnerability is not a permanent state  Vulnerability is not always visible  We may all be vulnerable at times of our lives  Vulnerable people may also pose risk and cause harm. The Diocese of Southwark A Safe Church

Terminology What is domestic abuse? o Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. The Diocese of Southwark A Safe Church

What’s new or different? Inclusion of policies, procedures and guidelines for safeguarding adults who may be vulnerable and responding to domestic abuse Standardised diocesan and parish policies A wider range of procedures and guidelines The role of Parish Safeguarding Officer The Diocese of Southwark A Safe Church

The policies for safeguarding children for safeguarding adults who may be vulnerable for responding to domestic abuse The document A template for parishes to adopt as their policies The procedures and guidelines in the manual spell out the practice The Diocese of Southwark A Safe Church

Parish safeguarding responsibilities Key players working in co-operation: The incumbent/priest in charge The churchwardens The parish safeguarding officers The PCC The team of licensed/accredited ministers Hall managers and bookers Employed staff Co-ordinators of work with vulnerable groups. The Diocese of Southwark A Safe Church

Responsibilities of incumbents with churchwardens, PCC and PSOs The prime duty of care to ensure the well-being of children and young people and adults who may be vulnerable in the church community A youth-friendly and child-friendly environment A welcoming, respectful environment which is safe from abuse The Diocese of Southwark A Safe Church

Responsibilities of incumbents with churchwardens, PCC and PSOs Appoint and support Parish Safeguarding Officers Ensure safe recruitment o References and interviews o CRB and following risk assessment recommendations Ensure risk assessments of buildings and activities Ensure adequate insurance cover Review policies and procedures annually The Diocese of Southwark A Safe Church

Responsibilities of incumbents with churchwardens, PCC and PSOs Allegations and concerns – o Work with archdeacon and Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser to follow procedures o Work with statutory agencies o Manage the consequences for the congregation o Ensure pastoral care for all concerned is available The Diocese of Southwark A Safe Church

Responsibilities of incumbents with churchwardens, PCC and PSOs Management and monitoring of those who pose risk o Work with archdeacon and Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser to follow procedures o Work with statutory agencies o Follow advice on risk assessment o Review regularly The Diocese of Southwark A Safe Church

Responsibilities of incumbents with churchwardens, PCC and PSOs Handle complaints Ensure appropriate communication, information sharing and record keeping and record storage Ensure appropriate boundaries of confidentiality and consent. The Diocese of Southwark A Safe Church

Implementation: what next? Incumbents and PSOs – read it, know what it contains, for future reference Use the quick guide – look at sections relevant to you in your role Identify who your key players are and ensure they are trained PCCs to adopt the policies, procedures and guidelines by September 2009, and destroy all their previous policies and procedures The Diocese of Southwark A Safe Church

Implementation: what next? PCC to appoint PSOs Key players to set action plan for reviewing safeguarding practice to ensure they are compliant Publicise new policies Carry out Risk Assessments Set annual review date. The Diocese of Southwark A Safe Church

What if the PCC doesn’t comply? It may be putting at risk:  children and adults who may be vulnerable  leaders and workers  the reputation of the church and the diocese It may not be compliant with the law It may be jeopardising its parish insurance cover The Diocese of Southwark A Safe Church