Safeguarding

The Parish of Bitterne Park, Church of the Ascension

Safeguarding Policy Statement

In accordance with the House of Bishops’ Policy Statements ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ (2017) and ‘Protecting All God’s Children’ (2010) and the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy, Ascension is committed to:

• Promoting a safer environment and culture.
• Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
• Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
• Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
• Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
• Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.

The Parish 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 Manager (DSM) and/or statutory agencies immediately.
• Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
• Following advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Manager, support and manage the safe involvement of 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 procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
• Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.

Our Safeguarding Team

Parish Safeguarding Officer: Andy Gordon

Diocesan Safeguarding Officer: Jackie Rowlands

Who to contact:

Immediate risk – If you are concerned that a child or vulnerable adult may be at immediate risk, contact the Police by calling 999.

If you’d like to register a concern – Please contact our safeguarding officer on safeguarding@ascensionsouthampton.co.uk or contact the diocesan safeguarding team on  01962 737317 safeguarding@winchester.anglican.org

Useful documents:

The Parish Safeguarding Handbook  
Ascension Safeguarding Policy Statement
Winchester Diocese Safeguarding

House of Bishops Safer Activities Guidance