The Church on Oakwood

The Church on Oakwood, a Local Ecumenical Partnership, follows The Church of England Safeguarding Policies, Procedures and Practices and has adopted and implemented the House of Bishop’s ‘Promoting a Safer Church: Safeguarding Policy Statement’ and the Parish Safeguarding Handbook* as required by the Diocese of Derby.

The Church of England and the Methodist Church work in partnership with other Christian Churches and other agencies in delivering safeguarding. It is part of our core faith and an integral feature of Christian life in our church.

The welfare of the child, young person and adult is at all times paramount, and takes precedence over all other considerations.

PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH

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 Church will: 

  • Create a safe and caring place for all.
  • Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the Church Council 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 church.
  • Display in church premises and on the church 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.

This church appoints Sheila Harper as the Parish Safeguarding Officer.

Incumbent: Rev Neil Draper

Date: This policy was agreed at the Church Council meeting held on 11th November 2020.

 *Parish Safeguarding Handbook, November 2018 [PDF]

Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Hannah Hogg