Safeguarding

We are fully committed to ensuring that children, young people and adults are safe whilst in our care. If you have any concerns about safeguarding please contact:

Church: - Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinator, Stephanie Spencer: -  Email Steph or phone 0115 8451656 (church office) 
Diocese: - safeguarding@southwell.anglican.org or contact the safeguarding team on 01636 817200.   

Out of Hours for Children & Adults:
Nottinghamshire: 0300 456 4546
Nottingham City Council: 0115 876 1000 

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.

Safeguarding Statement

This statement has been agreed by the Parochial Church Councils of St Mary, Radcliffe and St Peter & St Paul, Shelford.

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 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 principle statement will be renewed annually and progress in carrying it out will be monitored by
Parish Safeguarding Coordinator (Radcliffe), Stephanie Spencer
Parish Safeguarding Coordinator (Shelford), Penny Oldham

The full Church of England Policy is available here

Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser

Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser:  safeguarding@southwell.anglican.org or contact the safeguarding team on 01636 817200.   

Safeguarding Training

The Diocese of Southwell runs safeguarding training courses throughout the year. See https://southwell.anglican.org/resources/resources-safeguarding/training/ for further details. If you are in a role that requires you to attend training you can book a place either directly or through the church office.

Our expectation is also that everyone with any role at our church (whether or not it involves working directly with vulnerable groups) completes the C0 basic awareness module. This can be undertaken online at https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org/ or at one of our occasional in-house sessions.

The next dates are: 

DBS Certificates

Everyone working or volunteering at St Mary's or St Peter & St Paul's in an eligible role with children or potentially vulnerable adults is required to apply for a DBS certificate at 3 yearly intervals. The Church Office can give details of how to apply.