If you need to report a Safeguarding Concern

Anne Hughes: safeguarding@hattersley.church or 07875630237

If you would like to speak with someone outside of the church contact Diocesan Safeguarding Officer Sean Austin, on 01928 643442 or safeguarding@chester.anglican.org

Immediate Responses

For immediate response here are the contact details of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:

NSPCC child protection helpline:

0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.

Childline:

0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.

National Domestic Violence helpline:

0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.

Samaritans helpline:

116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.

Action on Elder Abuse helpline:

080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).

Safeguarding Policy Statement

Every year the Trustees will review and agree the Parish Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy Statement taking into consideration:

Safeguarding representatives

The Trustees will appoint a minimum of one Safeguarding Representative who will be responsible on behalf of the incumbent and Trustees for implementing the Diocesan policy in respect of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. The Safeguarding Representative agrees to undertake the key responsibilities of the role as outlined in the Diocesan Safeguarding Guide.

Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Eleanor Bird .

Paid workers and/or volunteers

All those who undertake work in a regulated activity with children and/or vulnerable adults in the parish on a voluntary or paid basis will be required to:

• Complete a Confidential Self Declaration Form

• To complete the necessary vetting application: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

The church will seek to ensure that a DBS check is only requested after a risk assessment has indicated that one is both proportionate and relevant to the position (paid or voluntary) concerned. Using the appropriate risk assessment procedures, the following posts have been identified as requiring a DBS check:

• Youth Leader/Helper

• Kids Leader/Helper

• Any ministry where vulnerable adults may attend

• Social action ministries

• Students

• All staff

All Confidential Self Declarations Forms, references and results of DBS checks will be held securely by the church. Declarations and DBS checks must be undertaken every five years, or sooner if the individual moves to a new post, (unless the application was obtained in the previous six months and the nature of the work is similar).

Any person refusing such checks will not be allowed to work with or have unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults at the church.

All those who work with children and/or vulnerable adults on a regular basis will be made aware of and should familiarise themselves with the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, and will be encouraged to attend Diocesan Safeguarding training every three years.

The following children’s, young person’s and mixed-age activities have been identified as specific events and activities that fall under the Diocesan Safeguarding Procedures:

• Children’s Groups (Sunday mornings)

• Youth Groups (Sunday)

All children and young people wishing to attend the above activities will need to be registered and consent must be granted by their parents/carers before they take part.

Children who wish to take part in additional events such as church outings, holidays or sleepovers will not be allowed to participate in such activities unless the leaders of such event(s) receive a completed consent form from the parents or guardians of the child concerned, even if the parent or guardian accompanies the child on any such trip or activity. A new form must be completed for each separate activity.

Consideration will be given at all times for the health, safety and welfare of each child and young person, including supervision ratios, transport, first aid, premises and children with special needs.

Consideration will be given at all times for the health, safety and welfare of the vulnerable adult, including transport, first aid, premises and adults with special needs.

There are currently no specific groups, events and activities that fall under the Diocesan Safeguarding Procedures for vulnerable adults.

All those who book or use the church building on a regular basis shall be required to sign a copy of the parish booking agreement and a declaration that they have read and understood the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, or that they agree to abide by their own organisation’s safeguarding procedures.

Additional Links to Relevant Documents

Parish Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy Statement.
View here.

Church of England Safeguarding Policy - Promoting a safer church.
View here.

Church of England Parish Safeguarding Handbook.
View here.

Church of England Safeguarding Policy Statement.
View here.

Protecting all of God’s children.
View here.