SAFEGUARDING PARISH POLICY

As a Parish, we take Safeguarding very seriously. This document sets out the protocols we follow in all decisions that relate to our Parish work, in order to Safeguard our Parish to the bets of our abilities. This document is the guidance that helps us to ensure that all church activities are safe for all who take part.

You can view all of our safeguarding documents here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1z_3I3KEsv0pYxWNJrzVNLYJVywXbAL9h

For Working with Children and Vulnerable Adults

The PCC of LAUNCESTON

1. Accepts the prime duty of care placed upon the Parish Priest and Parochial Church Council (PCC) to ensure the well-being of children and vulnerable adults in the church community.
2. Adopts and implements this child protection policy and procedures, based on the Diocesan Safeguarding policy and the House of Bishops ‘Protecting all God’s Children’
3. Will appoint a co-ordinator(s) to work with the Parish Priest and the PCC to implement policy and procedures. The co-ordinator(s) must ensure that any concerns are dealt with according to the Diocesan policy and legislative requirements.

The PCC has appointed Sarah Vinson to be the Safeguarding Coordinator(s). They share the responsibility for safeguarding in the Parish with the Parish Priest.

The PCC recognizes the following areas of work with children and vulnerable adults:

• Bell ringing (St Mary Magdalene, St Thomas and St Stephen Churches)
• Choir (St Mary Magdalene Church)
• Servers (St Stephen Church, St Thomas & St Mary Magdalene Church)
• Memory Friendly Service (Christ the Cornerstone)
• All age Services (St Thomas, St Mary and St Stephen Church)
• Open the book (Ecumenical)
• Messy Church (Launceston Parish)
• Family Fun Night (Christ the Cornerstone)
• Local Pastoral Ministers (Parish)
• Local Worship Leaders (Parish)
• DCC and PCC Churchwardens and members (all churches)

The PCC will:

• Create a safe and caring place for all.
• Have a named Safeguarding Officer to work with the clergy, the PCC and the DCCs of the Benefice 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. The named Safeguarding Officer will notify 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.

The above has been discussed and implemented by the PCC.