Ketton and Tinwell Benefice


Safeguarding is a priority here!

Protecting children and vulnerable adults in our parish.

At St Mary’s Church Ketton, and All Saints’ Church Tinwell we are committed to following government and Church of England guidelines on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and good working practice, including safer recruitment of volunteers and paid workers.

If you have any concerns regarding the safety or welfare of a child or vulnerable adult you can speak to:

Carole Fitzsimons, Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, (tel 01733 887040)
or Pat Naylor 01780 721255 Our Safeguarding Officer.
(appointed by the Peterborough Diocese and the PCC’s of Ketton and Tinwell churches to respond to any safeguarding concerns)

 

If you are concerned about a child or vulnerable adult then report it!

If someone makes a disclosure that they are being abused:

  • NEVER promise to keep it secret
  • React calmly and listen
  • Let whoever is disclosing talk freely recording it using their exact words
  • Don’t ask leading questions
  • Reassure them that they have done the right thing telling someone
  • Avoid making comments or judgments
  • Tell the child/adult what will happen next: that you will inform the designated safeguarding officer (or Incumbent who will take advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor or if the Incumbent is implicated then inform the DSA.)

Contact: 
Carole Fitzsimons, Diocesan Safeguarding Officer,  01733 887040
or Pat Naylor 01780 721255  Our  Safeguarding Officer.


Useful Contacts

Childline (for children)
0800 1111
Action on Elder Abuse
0808 8088141
N
SPCC
0808 800 5000
Kidscape
0845 120 5204

Stop it Now
0808 1000 900
Mind infoLine
0300 123 3393
Through the Roof
01732 737041

Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy

We recognise that :

  • the welfare of the child or young person is paramount
  • everyone has different levels of vulnerability, and each of us may be regarded as vulnerable at some time in our lives
  • all children and adults who may be vulnerable (regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity) have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse which can occur in all families and communities
  • domestic abuse if witnessed or overheard by a child, is a form of child abuse by the perpetrator of the abusive behaviour
  • working in partnership with children, their parents adults who may be vulnerable, their carers and other agencies is essential in promoting their welfare.

We will develop a safeguarding culture in our church that:

  • enables and encourage concerns to be raised and responded to openly and consistently and protects children and adults who may be vulnerable from actual or potential harm
  • is child-friendly and ensures that all people feel welcomed, respected and safe from abuse
  • values, listens to and respects children and adults who may be vulnerable, encouraging them to be active contributors to the church community
  • encourages adults who may be vulnerable to lead as independent a life as possible

When concerns are raised we will:

  • respond without delay to every concern raised that a child, or adult who may be vulnerable may have been harmed, or may be at risk from harm, through abuse, harassment or bullying; or about the behaviour of an adult or child
  • work with the DSO  and the appropriate statutory bodies during an investigation into abuse, including when allegations are made against a member of the church community
  • challenge any abuse of power especially by anyone in a position of trust

If abuse has occurred, we will ensure in partnership with the DSO and other agencies that:

  • informed and appropriate pastoral care is offered to any child, young person or adult  who has suffered abuse, including support to make a complaint if so desired
  • supervision is provided for any member of our church community known to have  
  • offended against a child or vulnerable adult, or to pose a risk to them.
  • appropriate pastoral care is offered to any member of our church community against whom an allegation is made

In all recruitment and selection we will:

  • ensure careful selection of ordained and lay ministers, voluntary and paid workers with children and young people and adults in line with safer recruitment principles and checks
  • provide supervision, support and training after appointment
  • commit ourselves to support, resource train and regularly review those who undertake work amongst people who may be vulnerable.

In our publicity we will:

  • share information about good safeguarding practice with children, parents and adults who may be vulnerable, their carers, and all those working with them

 September 1st 2023

Remember, If you are concerned about a child or vulnerable adult then report it!