Safeguarding

PCC Safeguarding Policy Statement

Parish of St Luke’s and Christ Church, Chelsea

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held in July 2021:

In accordance with the House of Bishops’ Policy Statements ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ (2017) and ‘Protecting All God’s Children’ (2010) and the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy ‘Promoting a Safer Diocese’ (2018) 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 Church Safeguarding Officer (CSO) 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.

PCC Safeguarding Policy Statement

Parish of St Luke’s and Christ Church, Chelsea

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.

  • We accept and endorse the principles within section 1 of ‘Safeguarding in the Diocese of London’
  • We commit ourselves to nurture, protect and safeguard all our members, particularly children, young people and adults at risk.
  • We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church community
  • We undertake to exercise proper care in the selection, appointment, training and support of those working in a paid or voluntary position with children or adults at risk, including the use of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosures and making appropriate referrals to the Independent Safeguarding Authority.
  • We will respond without delay to concerns or allegations that a child or adult at risk may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and social care services in any investigation.
  • We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.
  • We will seek to offer pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate healing ministry.
  • We will seek to offer 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 at risk.

The PCC of this Parish agreed and adopted the above Policy at its meeting on 14 October 2020.

Copies of “Safeguarding in the Diocese of London” and any parish guidelines and procedures are held by:

St Luke’s and Christ Church Parish Office.

The PCC shall review this policy annually. The next review will take place in July 2024.

Parish Children’s Champion: Anna Stamenova

The Children’s Champion is an advocate for all children & youth in all areas of Parish life, making sure their views are heard and their needs are thought of.

Contact: Email or via the Parish Office

Safeguarding Officers:

Our safeguarding officers are the first people to speak to if you have any concerns about the welfare of a child or an adult at risk.

All children’s work helpers and leaders receive annual training. First Aid courses are offered to volunteers periodically.

Important phone numbers:

Diocesan Safeguarding Team helpline: 020 7932 1224
NSPCC 24 hour helpline: 0800 731 9256
Childline: 0800 1111