Most of the time at church we are like a big happy family. However, even in very happy families people can have a bad day and even people we know and trust can upset us. We want to help everyone have good days all of the time. We try to make sure that people who have jobs within the church always behave well and in a way that is helpful to you. We never want anyone or anything in church to frighten you, confuse you or worry you. it is important that you tell us if something is upsetting you or if you are feeling worried about something that's happening or something somebody is doing. We have specially trained people in each village you can talk to, and who you can ask for help. These people are good at safeguarding (this means they look after everyone's safety). Caring for people is a very important part of our Christian life.
All nine of our Churches in the West Loveden Group takes its duty and obligation to protect all extremely seriously. We have adopted the National Church of England’s robust procedures and guidelines. You can find out more about the national policies and procedures at Church of England Safeguarding
If you have any safeguarding concerns or issues on a safeguarding matter then you can find useful contact information here
This Policy Statement on Safeguarding in the Church was adopted by the Saxonwell Group of Churches. Each person who works within our churches will agree to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by our Churches.
The application of this policy will be reviewed each year and a report provided by the Parish Safeguarding Officer to the PCC.
Every person has a value and dignity, which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things, this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm. The Diocese of Lincoln and all parishes within it adopt Church of England polices and Practice Guidance relating to safeguarding.
We will endeavour to safeguard children, young people and adults by:
- Ensuring the care, nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with all children, young people and adults.
- Carefully selecting and training all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with safer recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring.
- Supporting, resourcing, training and regularly reviewing those who undertake work with children, young people and adults.
- Establishing safe, caring communities, which provide an environment where there is a culture of ‘informed vigilance’ as to the dangers of abuse.
- Recognising that it is the responsibility of each of us to prevent the physical, emotional, sexual, financial and spiritual abuse of children, young people and adults, and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.
- Responding without delay to every complaint made which suggests that a child, young person or adult may have been harmed, co-operating with the police and local authority in any investigation.
- Seeking to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with him or her an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.
- Committing ourselves to promoting safe practice by those in positions of trust.
- Challenging any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.
- Offering pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or adult.
If you wish to speak to someone outside the local church, you can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team their contact details are available here