Safeguarding
Promoting a Safer Church
The Parish of St John Birkdale
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 18th May 2025.
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:
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Promoting a safer environment and culture.
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Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
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Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
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Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
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Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
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Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
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The Parish will:
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Create a safe and caring place for all.
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Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
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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.
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Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
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Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
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Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
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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.
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Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
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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.
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Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
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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.
Parish Lead Safeguarding Officer: Stuart Baker.
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(Chairman of the PCC)
Reverend Jennie Hardy
18th May 2025.
If you have any safeguarding concerns about any child or vulnerable adult in this church please contact any of the people named below:
Parish Safeguarding Officer: Stuart Baker (07732 691542)
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Andy Holmes, 07940 378139 andrew.holmes@liverpool.anglican.org
Deputy Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Mick Murphy, 07376431466 michael.murphy@liverpool.anglican.org
Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding: Karen Williams, 07946 189061 karen.williams@liverpool.anglican.org
If you wish to report any safeguarding concerns directly to the National Safeguarding Team please email, safeguarding@churchofengland.org