The Parish of St Catherine's Crook approved this policy at the Parochial Church Council meeting held on 6th November 2012, and revised and updated it in February 2019. 

 

The children's Act 1989 and the Home Office Code of Practice "Safe from Harm" requires voluntary organisations to ensure the safety of all children under 18 in their care. The parish of St Catherine's Crook has adopted the safeguarding children guidlines of the Church of England and the Carlisle Diocese Safeguarding Policy. 

Ethos Statement
The teaching of Christ establishes the special significance of every human being and especially the central place of children in the sight of God. Our church is committed to fulfil His law of love and to provide for the safety, wellbeing and proper development of all children and young people in our care.

We will also properly equip and support those adults who work with and relate to them.

Children's Safeguarding Co-ordinator
The PCC has appointed a Children's Safeguarding Co-ordinator for children's work who will ensure the implementation of this policy and the diocese policy for Safeguarding, and give regular reports to the PCC.

The person appointed for the twelve months from the date of this policy is -
Name Joan Matthews
Address Greenstead, Birthwaite Rd, Windermere, LA23 3HT
Tel. No 01539 442528
e-mail N/A

Health and Safety Assessment
The PCC will ensure that an annual assessment takes place to ensure that every activity which it organises for children, on or off the premises, will provide proper safeguards to protect them from harm. The assessment will consider the premises, activities, procedures, equipment, staffing and all other issues which may affect the potential safety of the children. The PCC will require all children's workers to re-fresh their understanding of the diocesan Code of Conduct and Practice.
Safeguarding Children Policy for the Parish of St Catherine's Crook
Date last reviewed February 2019
The PCC requires that every other organisation which uses its premises will regularly conduct a similar assessment.

Insurance
The PCC will ensure that appropriate insurance (and third party liability) cover exists for all participants in the activities that it organises.
The current policies are: Ecclesiastical Parishguard Policy 04/XPG/9068871
Details of the policies and the cover they provide are held by Ruth Hunter (churchwarden)
The PCC requires that any individual or organisation using its premises will also provide adequate insurance cover.

Appointment of Voluntary and paid staff who work with children
In accordance with the Government document "Safe from Harm" and the Carlisle Diocese policy regarding Safer Recruitment , the PCC will ensure that all those who work with children will be properly appointed, trained and supervised. This will include:

When appointing new staff - before they begin their role
� Appropriate Job Descriptions will be drawn up in advance;
� Formal interviews will be held;
� At least two References will be sought and taken up;
� A Confidential declaration will be completed;
� All new personnel will be required to complete a CRB disclosure before they are appointed and will be expected to complete a probationary period of at least ______ months before their appointment is reviewed and confirmed.

 

Existing staff -
� Will be given a written Job Description which will be updated each year;
� If this was not done at the time of their original appointment then any references which were obtained but not taken up will now be pursued;
� Renew their CRB disclosure every five years
Safeguarding Children Policy for the Parish of St Catherine's Crook
Date last reviewed February 2019

All staff -
� Will receive regular in-service training
� Will be properly supervised

Activities/Organisations
The following activities/organisations have been approved by the PCC for the twelve month period from the date of this policy.
Name of organisation None
Name of Leader ______________________________
Contact Tel. No. ______________________
Address ________________________________________________
Name of authorised helper. ______________________________________________

Allegations of Child Abuse
Allegations against anyone who attends any church activity will be fully and honestly dealt with. The Diocese procedures will be followed (in section 6i of the Diocese procedures). All allegations will be taken seriously and recorded. The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and the Social Services or Police will be contacted without delay, and all information will be shared.

Disclosures
Any child who makes a disclosure or allegation of child abuse will be sensitively and appropriately dealt with, following the Diocese policy (section 6i). Any adult to whom a disclosure is made will contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and will follow his/her advice. When appropriate, the person to whom the disclosure has been made will pass on the information immediately to the Social Services and/or the Police.

Suspicions
Any member of the Church who suspects that a child is being abused in any way whatsoever will immediately contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and follow his/her advice.

Confidentiality
Confidential information concerning any adult or child will be fully protected .
Safeguarding Children Policy for the Parish of St Catherine's Crook
Date last reviewed February 2019

Complaints
Any complaint against any member of the Church will be dealt with in accordance to the Diocese's current complaints procedure. If a complaint relates to children in any way, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser will be informed immediately.

Monitoring & Review
This policy will be reviewed annually. The Archdeacons will ask about it every year in their Articles of Enquiry, (and follow up any issues they may have with the answers received) and discuss it every three years at their Visitations.

A copy of the policy will be sent to the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and the Archdeacon.
Priest in Charge .....Rev. George Briggs
Churchwarden ........Lillian Atkinson
Churchwarden ........Mary Allcock