The parish of St Michael's East Ardsley is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer, PSO. The Diocese of Leeds’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services. Additional information is set out below:
The Church of England’s policy statement ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ was adopted by St Michael’s East Ardsley at a Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting on 4th March 2024.
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:
a) Promoting a safer environment and culture.
b) Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
c) Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
d) Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
e) Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
f) 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 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.
This church appoints Alison Cassidy as the Parish Safeguarding Officer
The application of this policy will be reviewed each year and a report provided by the Parish Safeguarding Officer to the PCC.
The care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of the Church.
If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from a Safeguarding Adviser or if necessary report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Services or the Police without delay.
If there is immediate risk or danger, please contact the police on 101.
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
Childline: 0800 1111
Stop It Now!: 0808 1000 900
National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC): 0808 801 0331
Samaritans: 116 123
Family Lives: 0808 800 2222
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Action On Elder Abuse: 080 8808 8141
© St Michael's Church, East Ardsley (2022)