Safeguarding

Church St Helens takes its duty and obligation to protect all extremely seriously. We follow the Church of England's robust procedures and guidelines, as well as our own procedures, which you can find out more about below.

Safeguarding policy
Downloadable safeguarding policies
How to report safeguarding concerns, including emergencies

Church St Helens Safeguarding policy:

• 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 promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
• 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.
• Ensuring that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
• Ensuring 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 Church/Worshipping Community in the parish will: 

• Create a safe and caring place for all.
• Have a named Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the named clergy person, who has oversight of the Church/Worshipping Community, and the Parish Safeguarding Lead 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.
• Display in church premises and on the Church/Worshipping Community 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.

Downloadable policies

Reporting Safeguarding concerns

Church St Helens Safeguarding contacts: