Safeguarding
We believe that every human being is made in the image of God. It follows that we should honour everyone regardless of their age, capabilities, gender or ethnicity. Jesus knew what it was to be vulnerable. Protecting the vulnerable, whether adults or children, is a responsibility carried by all in Christian ministry; we cannot be satisfied until we are sure we have done all in our power to protect them from harm. Our churches must be a safe haven.
Safe Haven for Children & Young People
The Diocese of Norwich issued the guidelines, called Safe Haven, on the protection of children and young people in November 2007, ammended April 2012.
It is an essential document for:
- Clergy, Readers, Licenced Lay Workers, Named Persons for the protection of children or vulnerable adults.
It should also be held by, or easily available to, anyone whose work involves children, young people or vulnerable adults. This includes:
- Youth & Children's Workers, PCC Secretaries, Pastoral Teams, Choir Leaders, Bell Tower Captains
What is the procedure for amendments and updates to Safe Haven?
If changes need to be made to the Safehaven guidelines these will be publicised on this website and via email to the Named Person in your parish. Named Persons will then have the responsibility to inform all those working with children, young people and vulnerable adults in the church of the changes that are required.
Where there are any substantial changes to the guidelines this will be supported by the opportunity to attend training sessions which will be advertised on this website, via email and in Diocese publications such as Everyone Learning and Fresh Magazine.
If you find anything in the Safe Haven procedures that you feel may require amendment or if you would like to highlight the need for additions you should notify Dr. Roger Hennessy, the Bishops Advisor for Safeguarding of this by email to roger.hennessey@btinternet.com
Vulnerable Adult Protection
Within our churches we are committed to respectful pastoral ministry to all adults and the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable people.
Our policy is to:
- Seek to offer pastoral care to anyone who has suffered abuse
- Carefully select and train those with formal pastoral responsibility initiating Criminal Records Bureau Disclosures where appropriate.
- Respond without delay to any complaint made that an adult has been harmed
- Challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust
- Offer ministry to any member of our church community known to have offended against a vulnerable person.
Safe Haven for Vulnerable Adults
The Diocese of Norwich issued the guidelines, called Safe Haven, on the protection of vulnerable adults in November 2007.
The latest edition, revised in December 2011 is now available to download.
Contact us
If you have any questions about safeguarding please contact our Children, Youth & Families team.
Any allegations or suspicions of abuse must be directed immediately to the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser , Dr Roger Hennessey on 07796 415704.
Risk Assessments
All work with children and young people should be carried out in a ‘safe’ environment. It is good practice to carry out annual risk assessments which take into account the age and activity of church groups. A risk assessment is also a requirement of parish insurance to show you are following good practice to minimise risk. There should be a standard risk assessment form already in use by your PCC that you can adapt to any new work with children and young people. There is also a template form here that you can simply type into, save and print:
http://www.ecclesiastical.com/ChurchMatters/Images/General%20risk%20assessment%20form.pdf
Published on: 16/05/2013