Safeguarding

Safeguarding in the Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Radnage

Reporting Abuse

What to do if you have a safeguarding concern

If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger, or requires immediate medical attention, call emergency services on 999.

If you do not think there is a risk of immediate harm, you should still speak to our Safeguarding Officer or vicar about your concern as soon as possible.

If you are concerned that a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm you should approach your local children or adult social care department.

Our Safeguarding Officer should be informed about any case where a child or vulnerable adult appears to be at risk or where an adult appears to present a risk. They should be informed straight away of any safeguarding concerns involving a Church Officer. A ‘Church Officer’ is anyone appointed/elected by or on behalf of the Church to a post or role, whether they are ordained or lay, paid or unpaid.

Our Safeguarding team:

Safeguarding Officer – Caroline Strange, 01494 483047 church.secretary@radnage.net

Vicar: Rev Linda Richardson – 01494 483242;

Diocesan Safeguarding team:

For urgent and confidential safeguarding matters:

Stuart Nimmo, Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor – stuart.nimmo@oxford.anglican.org or 01865 208290

Sophie Harney, Safeguarding Casework Officer,  sophie.harney@oxford.anglican.org or 01865 208295

If you have a safeguarding concern, or cannot locate any information which you require, then please get in touch.

Our Parish Safeguarding Policy:

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 9th July 2019

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.
  • Inform the Diocesan Safeguarding Team if we use an alternative DBS Umbrella Body to APCS and if we receive any DBS Disclosures that are not clear.
  • 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 Caroline Strange as the Parish Safeguarding Officer.