In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our Benefice 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 Benefice will: 

• Create a safe and caring place where all people feel welcomed, respected and safe from abuse.
• 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.
• Ensure that all hirers of Church premises complete, and sign, the Safeguarding attachment ensuring that organisations and private individuals take full responsibility for the safety of those in their care.
• Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
• Enable and encourage concerns to be raised and responded to appropriately and consistently by listening to and taking seriously all those who disclose abuse (whether current or historic).
• 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 Benefice will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

 

Parish Safeguarding Officers

The Parish Safeguarding Officers are the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child, young person or vulnerable adult.  

St Mary’s Theydon Bois - please contact Andrew Crooks

All Saints Theydon Garnon, St Mary’s Stapleford Tawney or St Michael’s Theydon Mount - please contact John Chaplin.  

safeguarding@theydonparishes.org

 

Other Contacts

If you believe that somebody is in immediate risk of danger or harm you should call 999 and ask for the police

 

 

Chelmsford Diocesan Safeguarding Team

https://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/safeguarding/the-diocese-safeguarding-team/ 

 

Epping Forest Safeguarding

https://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/crime-and-safety/safeguarding/

 

 

Safe Spaces

 

Helpline - 0300 303 1056

Website - https://safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/ 

Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.