You can also conctact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team with any concern or question:

The following policy has been adopted by the Parochial Church Council for the Parish and the church; and by the Trustees of the Parish Hall, and for all their activities.

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy we are 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 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.

We will: 

• Create a safe and caring place for all.
• Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the Incumbent, the PCC, and the Trustees 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 and hall 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.

This church appoints Mrs Sharon Waight and Ms June Hornby as the Parish Safeguarding Officers.

Incumbent: Fr. Gregory Attila Lipovsky

Churchwardens: Mrs Jeanne James; Mrs Anne Mullis

This policy has been revised and approved by St Paul's PCC. Date: 1 March 2024

We make ours the words of Pope Francis: “In response to cases of abuse, especially those committed by members of the Church, it is not enough to ask for forgiveness. The pain and psychological wounds of the victims can begin to heal only if they find answers, if there are concrete actions to repair the horrors they have suffered and to prevent them from happening again. The Church cannot hide abuse, no matter where it occurs, but instead must serve as a model in its response to abuse. As part of that response, the Church must also offer safe spaces for victims to be heard, supported, and protected."