Safeguarding Statement

The Parish of Alkham with Capel-le-Ferne and Hougham
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH


The following policy has been agreed by the Parochial Church Councils of Alkham, Capel and Hougham.
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church 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 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.


The Parish will:  

  • Create a safe and caring place for all.
  • Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) 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.
This church appoints Gemma Purver as the Parish Safeguarding Officer.
Incumbent: Brian Williams
Churchwardens: J V Spillett, A Goaten (Capel), M Pressnell, R Hogben (Hougham)
Date: June 2019

Rev. 01.08.18 v1

Child and Adult Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to taking our duty of care and responsibility to all children and adults who visit our churches or participate in church activities or those of any associated organisations seriously.


We have policies in place to ensure that we follow very closely the principles of the House of Bishops’ Policy Documents concerning safeguarding matters concerning children and vulnerable adults for the whole Church of England.


As part of our commitment to both child and adult protection, we carefully select and train those members of our churches and related organisations who might have contact with these groups using the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), if appropriate, to check their suitability.


Any safeguarding matters that require attention are referred to the Parish Safeguarding Officer, Gemma Purver, telephone 0776 935 2262.