PCC Safeguarding Policy Statement

Parish of Great St Bartholomew, Smithfield (0104)

Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

• We accept and endorse the principles of the House of Bishops’ Policy for safeguarding children (Protecting All God’s Children, 2010) and safeguarding adults in the Church of England (Promoting a Safe Church, 2006).

• We commit ourselves to nurture, protect and safeguard all our members, particularly children, young people and adults at risk.

• We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church community.

• We undertake to exercise proper care in the selection, appointment, training and support of those working in a paid or voluntary position with children or adults at risk, including the use of Criminal Records disclosures and making appropriate referrals to the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

• We will respond without delay to concerns or allegations that a child or adult at risk may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and social care services in any investigation.

• We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.

• We will seek to offer pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate healing ministry.

• We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or adult at risk.

• We undertake to work with, and follow the guidelines, of, The City of London Corporation’s Department of Community and Children’s Services.

The PCC of this Church agreed and adopted the above Policy at its meeting on 26 June 2024.

Sarah Harrison has been appointed as our Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) and Fr Taylor Wilton-Morgan as our Children’s Champion.

Copies of “Safeguarding in the Diocese of London” and any parish guidelines and procedures are held by the Rector in the Parish Office.

The PCC reviews this policy annually. The next review will take place in 2025.