- We aim to provide a safe and caring environment for all we come into contact with particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults.
- We are committed to the implementation of the Diocese of Portsmouth Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, and the relevant statutory legislation and guidance for the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
- We will ensure that all those who are authorised to work with vulnerable groups are appointed according to diocesan safer recruitment guidelines. We will exercise proper care in selection, appointment, training and support including the use of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
- We will respond without delay to concerns or allegations that a child or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and social services in any investigation.
- We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in authority.
- We will have internal processes in place to support proper reporting of concerns, and ensure that staff and volunteers are aware of what to do if they have a concern.
- We will seek to offer pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them appropriate pastoral support.
- We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church.
- The PCC of this Church, review, agree and adopt the above policy on an annual basis.
- Our Safeguarding Officer is the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or adult with vulnerability:
Sonja Renfrew – Designated Parish Safeguarding Officer [DSO]
OR
Lynn Winter -Deputy Parish Safeguarding Officer
Email:
safeguarding@stgeorges.church
Reporting A Concern
If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger, or requires immediate attention, call emergency services on 999.
Any safeguarding concerns must be initially reported to your Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) -
Sonja Renfrew OR Lynn Winter and /or Incumbent within 24 hours.
If you need to speak to the the Diocesan Safeguarding Team please click here.
Parish safeguarding concerns should then be reported to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team safeguarding@portsmouth.anglican.org
Responding to Safeguarding Concerns Flowchart
Finding Help and Support
Below are the contact details of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:
Hampshire
Hampshire Safeguarding Children
Hampshire Safeguarding Adults
Other
NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000 (10am–4pm Monday to Friday) or email help@NSPCC.org.uk at any time.
Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Action on Elder Abuse : 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).
The Survivor’s Trust: 08088 010 818 (free phone Monday to Wednesday 10am-7:30pm, Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 10am-2pm)
