Safeguarding
The Church aims to safeguard children, young people and adults at risk by providing safe people, safe places and safe activities, providing the necessary expenditure, administration, training, supervision and monitoring of our policy to enable us to nurture them in the Christian Faith, and further the mission of Christ.
Our obligation to Children and Young People.
“Let the children come to me; do not try to stop them for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these”
— Matthew 19.14
Implicit in these words of Jesus is a recognition of the unique status of children and young people.
We will respect children as persons in their own right and give them special protection because of their vulnerability.
We will constantly pray for our work with children and young people.
We accept and stress the main principle of the Children Act 1989 that the child’s welfare is paramount in all circumstances.
We will act responsibly and with integrity towards children and young people.
We will not exploit our relationship of trust.
We will maintain the highest standards of care at all times.
Our obligation to Adults at Risk.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
— John 13. 34
Pastoral ministry with adults is not a matter of procedures and rules. Clergy, lay pastoral visitors and church workers should work together with adults at risk and recognise that all adults at risk have a right to:
Be treated with respect and dignity.
Have their privacy respected.
Be able to lead as independent a life as possible.
Be able to choose how they live their lives.
The protection of the law.
Have their rights upheld regardless of ethnic origin, gender, sexuality, impairment or disability, age, religious or cultural background.
Their chosen language or means of communication.
Be heard.
Guidelines for Good Practice.
We will treat seriously all allegations of abuse or risk of abuse, whether physical, sexual, emotional, financial or neglect and act accordingly as set out in the Church in Wales’ Safeguarding Policy*.
All persons working directly with children and young people and/or adults at risk will complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check and will be suitably trained.
Unless in an emergency there will always be more than one adult with one or more children or young persons whether on or off site. In one to one situations we will ensure that the place or room can be observed by another adult.
We will minimise the risks to children, young people and adults at risk by providing a safe, secure environment. Buildings will be checked for safety in accordance with Church in Wales Health and Safety Regulations and Guidance.
If medical need arises we will seek appropriate care.
We will ensure adequate insurance for both on and off site activities.
When transporting children or adults at risk in any vehicle organised by the Benefice we will ensure that the vehicle is adequately insured and adheres to current relevant legislation.
If you have a safeguarding concern you can contact:
Eileen Bartlett
Parish Safeguarding Officer
Fay Howe
Diocesan Safeguarding Officer
