SAFEGUARDING
& INCLUSION

Call 999 if a child or adult is in immediate danger of significant or serious harm

Protection of all children, young people and those who are vulnerable is of paramount importance to us. The PCC (Parochial Church Council) of St Paul’s Howell Hill abides by Church of England practice, which includes the Promoting a Safer Church Policy Statement, House of Bishop’s Practice Guidance and Diocesan Safeguarding Protocols.

Sarah Ford is our appointed Parish Safeguarding Officer (contact: 020 8224 9838 safeguarding@stpb.co.uk), whose role is to ensure that everyone who works with the Church in any capacity has undergone the necessary checks and training beforehand, and working alongside the PCC ensures our Safeguarding policy is implemented. Specifically, everyone who works with young people under 18 years and those who are vulnerable is taken through a recruitment process and is checked for Enhanced DBS clearance where applicable. For more information about our policy and the guidelines and training we give our volunteers and workers, please contact us (020 8224 9838). If you have any concerns at all about the safety of anyone, please contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer Sarah Ford safeguarding@stpb.co.uk, the Vicar of St Paul’s nico@saintpauls.co.uk or the Churchwardens iana@saintpauls.co.uk

Click here to view our Parish Safeguarding Policy

Our Safeguarding Policy Statement

As a PCC (Parochial Church Council) we are committed to the support, nurture and protection of all in our church community.

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 vulnerable 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.

  • Following advice from the DSA support and manage the safe involvement of 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 procedures and risk assessments are in place for all activities 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.

Resources

For more information regarding our Safeguarding and Inclusion policies, or for training in Safeguarding policies and procedures, please contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer safeguarding@stpb.co.uk

For information about having a DBS check validated, please contact our DBS Manager, Karen Erasmus karene@stpb.co.uk

Website for Guildford Diocesan Safeguarding and Inclusion resources.

National helplines:

NSPCC 0808 800 5000
Childline 0800 1111
Stop it Now 0808 1000 900
NAPAC 0808 801 0331
Samaritans 116 123
Family Lives 0808 800 2222
National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247