Safeguarding Policy

Promoting A safer Church

The parish of Holy Trinity in Bolton le Sands is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and we have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer, (PSO) Kath Brough. Please contact her if you are concerned a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm.

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 2 Feb 2021 and re-confirmed after amendment on 16 Apr 2023

The safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults is an integral part of the life of the church, set out clearly in legislation, and is everybody’s responsibility. As a parish, we aim to provide the safest possible environment to enable our children to grow and flourish, and all adults to feel safe and welcome.

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church 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 named Parish Safeguarding Officers (PSOs) 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 annually.
• Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.
• Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

To be reviewed annually.

This church appoints Kath Brough and Val Hindle as the Parish Safeguarding Officers

Incumbent: Rev. Peter Hamborg

Churchwardens: Mary Bunting and Jane Russell

Date: 31st January 2021

Reviewed and Approved: 19th March 2024

The original of this document is signed and stored in the church archives.

If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

Contact Details:

Kath Brough: tel: 07535 712939 or  email [email protected]

If you have concerns with regards to any matter of safeguarding in Holy Trinity Church please contact us.

Other Points of Contact:

Blackburn Diocese Safeguarding Adviser: Catherine Smith. Tel: 07711485170 or email: [email protected]

Lancashire Social services 0300 123 6720 up to 8pm or 0300 123 6722 after 8pm

If there is immediate risk or danger contact the police on 999