The Parish of St Mary with All Souls, Kilburn & St James’, West Hampstead
SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT 2024
The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting on 10 June 2024 __________________________________________________________________________________________
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 these churches.
This church appoints: Nancy JIRIRA (nancysoko@aol.com) as the Church Safeguarding Officer for St Mary’s and for St James’
Incumbent: Fr Robert THOMPSON
Churchwardens: Carleen LARRINGTON and Susan SLADE (St Mary’s) - Tom RAINBOW & Rah CARTER (St James’)
The contact details below are agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services. If you are concerned about a child or vulnerable adult please don’t hesitate to call:
London Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers 020 7932 1224
Support for those in London experiencing mental health challenges
The Diocese of London has partnered with the mental health text support service, Shout 85258, to bolster its support for those experiencing mental health challenges across the city. Shout is a free, 24/7, confidential and anonymous mental health text support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. From 30th March 2021, people within the Diocese will immediately be connected to one of Shout’s trained volunteers by texting the word ‘Neighbour’ to 85258.
If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention call the emergency services on 999. Do not delay.