Last updated: 16th November 2022

The Church of England is committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within our church community. It’s therefore important that parishes such as the parish of St Mark in Pennington give due focus to this important area.  We are committed to following legislation, guidance and recognized good practice.

Reporting abuse and finding support

If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention call the emergency services on 999. Do not delay.

Finding support

We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and distressing to you and it may add to your hurt by our not being able to immediately assist you. Therefore here are the contact details of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:

  • NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
  • Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
  • National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
  • Samaritans Helpline: 116123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
  • Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).
  • Stop it Now: 0808 1000 900
  • NAPAC: 0808 801 0331
  • Family Lives: 0808 800 2222
  • Hampshire County Council Out of Hours Service (children and adults): 0300 555 1373

Review

This policy is reviewed, approved and endorsed by the PCC of St Mark’s parish annually, or when legislation changes. This statement was adopted and endorsed by the parish of St Mark’s at a Parochial Church Council meeting held on 4th June 2018. An additional update to include external links to the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policy was made on the 5th March 2019 and handbook 7th November 2022. The policy was last reviewed 15th November 2022 and can be viewed here.

This church appoints Eve Jolly to represent the concerns and views of vulnerable people at our meetings and to outside bodies.

For any safeguarding queries, please contact safeguarding@penningtonchurch.uk or call our Safeguarding team on 01590 672896. Alternatively, please contact the Diocesan safeguarding officer Jackie Rowlands at jackie.rowlands@winchester.anglican.org, or call 01962 737317.

Our policy on the Safeguarding of Adults in the Church

  1. We recognize that everyone has different levels of vulnerability and that each of us may be regarded as vulnerable at some time in our lives.
  2. As members of this parish we commit ourselves to respectful pastoral care for all adults to whom we minister.
  3. We commit ourselves to the safeguarding of people who may be vulnerable, ensuring their well-being in the life of this church.
  4. We commit ourselves to promoting safe practice by those in positions of trust.
  5. The parish commits itself to promoting the inclusion and empowerment of people who may be vulnerable.
  6. It is the responsibility of each of us to prevent the physical, emotional, sexual, financial and spiritual abuse of vulnerable people and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect. This will be through the safeguarding officer.
  7. We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of those who will work with people who may be vulnerable.
  8. The parish is committed to supporting, resourcing, training and regularly reviewing those who undertake work amongst people who may be vulnerable
  9. The parish adopts the guidelines of the Church of England and the Diocese.
  10. Each person who works with vulnerable people will agree to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by this church.

Our policy on the Safeguarding of children in the Church

A child is any individual under the age of 18 and we recognise any equal commitment to safeguard children involved within our church from harm.

  1. The welfare of the child is paramount.
  2. No child or group of children must be treated any less favourably than others in being able to access services which meet their particular needs.
  3. All children without exception have the right to protection from abuse regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or beliefs.
  4. This policy applies to all trustees, staff and volunteers who may work with children through services, events and activities run by St Mark’s church.
  5. Children and parents are informed of the policy and procedures as appropriate.
  6. It is the responsibility of each of us to prevent the physical, emotional, sexual, financial and spiritual abuse of vulnerable people and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect. This will be through the safeguarding officer.
  7. All concerns, and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously by trustees, staff and volunteers and responded to appropriately – this may require a referral to children’s social care services, the independent Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for allegations against staff, trustees and other volunteers, and in emergencies, the police.
  8. A commitment to safe recruitment, selection and vetting.

Further information