The Edgemoor Group of Parishes Safefguarding Policy Statement
As members of the PCC we commit our church community to the support, nurture, protection and safeguarding of all, especially the young and vulnerable. We recognise that our work with children, young people and vulnerable adults is the responsibility of the whole church community and as well as being fully committed to acting within current legislation, guidance, national frameworks and the Diocesan Safeguarding procedures, we will also endeavour to act in an open, transparent and accountable way in working in partnership with the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers, Children and Adult Social Care Services, the Police, Probation Services and other agencies to safeguard children and vulnerable adults and assist in bringing to justice anyone who has committed an offence against them.
We will ensure that all the necessary checks are made to promote the safe selection and recruitment of ordained and lay ministers, paid workers and volunteers with children, young people and vulnerable adults, and provide the necessary supervision, support and training to them in order that they can undertake their roles effectively.
We will respond without delay to every concern raised that a child, young person or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, or be at risk from harm, or about the behaviour of an adult or child.
We will fully co-operate with the Diocese and appropriate statutory agencies during any investigation into abuse, including when allegations are made against a member of the church community.
We will ensure that pastoral care is made available to children and vulnerable adults and their families and to any member of our church community against whom an allegation is made.
We will ensure, in partnership with the Diocese and other agencies, that care and supervision is provided for any member of our church community known to have offended against a child or vulnerable adult, or to pose a risk to them.
We are committed to reviewing our policy annually, and as part of this, check that our parish safeguarding procedures are up-to-date and relevant.
Our Parish Safeguarding Representative for Children and Vulnerable Adults is: Richard Carder
What should I do if I have any safeguarding concerns?
If you have serious concerns about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult, or there is a risk of immediate danger, please contact the police straight away on 999.
If the risk is not immediate please contact our Parish Safeguarding Representative for Children and Vulnerable Adults, Richard Carder, on 079580 38092.
If you are unable to speak to Richard directly, please contact Charles Pitman, Exeter Diocese Safeguarding Advisor, on 01393 345909 or contact the CCPAS (Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service) helpline on 0303 003 1111.
Other useful local contacts:
Concerns about Children: Devon MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) – 0345 1551071
Concerns about Adults: Devon – Care Direct 0345 1551 007
Domestic Abuse: Devon helpline for professionals and individuals – 0345 155 1074
Rape Crisis Devon: 0808 802 9999