Safeguarding

Our Benefice Safeguarding Officer is Jill Hockham. However, the care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of the church. 

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy ‘Promoting a Safer Church’, our Benefice 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 without delay to every concern raised which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed or is at risk of harm, co-operating with the police and local authority in any investigation.
  • 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.

Safeguarding Policy for the Benefice of St Bartholomew

The Benefice of St. Bartholomew’s Safeguarding Policy and Guidelines have been developed in conjunction with the Diocese of Salisbury Safeguarding and Good-Practice Guidelines. In accordance with that guidance, and the principles listed above, each PCC has adopted the following policy and will:

  • Create a safe and caring place for all.
  • Have a named Safeguarding Officer 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 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.

Safeguarding Contacts

If you have concerns over the safeguarding of children and young people or vulnerable adults, please immediately contact the Benefice Safeguarding Officer, Jill Hockham, at safeguarding@benofbart.org.uk

Alternatively, you can refer to the Diocesan Safeguarding pages for guidance, including the contact details of their safeguarding team.