Safeguarding is everyone's concern

In the Parish of St Agnes we take care to look after all members of the church in particular the safeguarding of our children, young people and vulnerable adults. We follow the policies and procedures for safeguarding of the House of Bishops and the Diocese.  Our parish policy is enshrined in the Liverpool Diocese policy document which can be found by following this link.  An updated Parish Handbook has been issued by the Liverpool Diocese which is currently being reviewed by the PCC and the Parish Safeguarding Officer.

Policy
Our policy is endorsed at each Annual Parochial Church Meeting in the spring.

We will:
• Create a safe and caring place for all.

• Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) 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 periodically.

• Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Protection Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.

For those in the Parish working with children, young people or vulnerable adults detailed guidance will soon be available here. In the meantime please contact the Parish Safeguarding Officer, Heleema Neville

If you wish to raise a concern with the Liverpool Diocese Safeguarding Adviser, the contact details are as follow: 

Andy Holmes,  Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
07940 378139 andy.holmes@liverpool.anglican.org

Mick Murphy, Deputy Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
07376431466  michael.murphy@liverpool.anglican.org

Karen Williams, Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding                                   
07946 189061 karen.williams@liverpool.anglican.org

Raising Concerns

Anybody who has concerns, allegations or safeguarding queries should contact the PSO . If she is not available please contact a member of the clergy. For very serious concerns which require immediate action please phone the police.
Any concerns or allegations should be confidential so please do not discuss with others before reporting.

Please remember that

SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYBODY’S RESPONSIBILITY

·         To safeguard others and yourself
·         To raise concerns

Useful Contacts

Childline                Children and young people         0808 11 11          www.childline.org.uk
NSPCC                   Children and young people         0808 800 5000  www.nscpcc.org.uk
Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline                            0808 801 0327
National Domestic Violence helpline                       0808 2000 247

Adults Affected by Sexual Abuse

If you would prefer to speak to somebody outside the church
NAPAC National Association for People Abused in Childhood
0800 085 3330 (free from landlines, 3, Orange and Virgin mobiles) or
0808 801 0331(free from O2, T-Mobile and Vodafone mobiles)
MIND www.mind.org.uk 0300 123 3393