- We aim to provide a safe and caring environment for all we come into contact with particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults.
- We are committed to the implementation of the Diocese of Portsmouth Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, and the relevant statutory legislation and guidance for the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
- We will ensure that all those who are authorised to work with vulnerable groups are appointed according to diocesan safer recruitment guidelines. We will exercise proper care in selection, appointment, training and support including the use of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
- We will respond without delay to concerns or allegations that a child or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and social services in any investigation.
- We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in authority.
- We will have internal processes in place to support proper reporting of concerns, and ensure that staff and volunteers are aware of what to do if they have a concern.
- We will seek to offer pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them appropriate pastoral support.
- We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church.
- The PCC of this Church agreed and adopted the above Policy in Nov 2018
- Our Safeguarding Officer is the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or adult with vulnerability:
Sonja Renfrew – Designated Safeguarding Officer [DSO]
OR
Lynn Winter -Deputy Safeguarding Officer
Email:
safeguarding@stgeorges.church
If you would prefer to speak with someone outside the church
Portsmouth Diocesan Safeguarding Co-Ordinator:
Thersa Winship
Phone: 023 9289 9665. [Hours Tuesday-Thursday 9am - 5pm. Out of hours: 0303 003 1111
Email: safeguarding@portsmouth.anglican.org
Should you be unable to get hold of a leader outside of office hours:
The following is a list of contact details of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24 hr basis or through specialist helplines and services.
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (10am - 4pm Monday to Friday). Phone if you are worried about a child.
Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (free and does not appear on phone bills) or 08457 90 90 90 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Action on Elder Abuse: 080 8808 8141 (free Monday to Friday 9-5pm)
Hampshire Local Authority Social Care:
Children-
0300 555 1384
Out of hours 0300 555 1373
Vulnerable Adults-
0300 555 1386
Portsmouth Local Authority Social Care :-
Children -
023 9283 9111.
Out of hours 0300 555 1373
Vulnerable adults-
023 9268 0810
Or contact us using the contact page HERE
The link to the Diocese of Portsmouth Safeguarding webpage is HERE
