Safeguarding Policy

PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH
CHALFONT ST PETER PARISH CHURCHES
CHARITY NO: 1146043

This Policy was agreed by PCC on 1st July 2025.

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 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 front page of 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 Team 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 in a paid or voluntary capacity will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by the church.

This Parish appoints Jessica Redman as the Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO)

Signed:

PCC Lay Chair, Ian Hackett _________________________________________________

Churchwarden, Matthew Locke ____________________________________________

Churchwarden, John Harwood _____________________________________________

A copy of this Safeguarding policy is available in the Parish Office, on the Parish website, and has been sent to: Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, Church House, Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GF