Keeping Safe…

Statement of safeguarding principles

We are committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within our community.

In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognized good practice:

• We will carefully select, support and train all those with any responsibility within The Church of England, in line with Safer Recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration/membership of the relevant vetting and barring schemes.

• We will respond without delay to every complaint made, that any adult, child or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation.

• We will seek to offer informed pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry that recognizes the importance of understanding the needs of those who have been abused, including their feelings of alienation and/or isolation.

• We will seek to protect survivors of sexual abuse from the possibility of further harm and abuse.

• We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.

• We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision, and referral to the appropriate authorities, to any member of The Church of England community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.