SAFEGUARDING

Christian communities should be places where all people feel welcomed, respected and safe from abuse, and are particularly called by God to support those less powerful and those without a voice in our society.  St Michael and All Angels Church is therefore working towards creating a safe and non-discriminatory environment and has therefore adopted the national Church of England Safeguarding Practice Guidance including the Parish Safeguarding Handbook.

Summary of the St Michael and All Angels Church Twerton Safeguarding Policy

We are committed to:

• The care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with all children, young people and all adults within our church community.
• The safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable.
• The establishing of safe caring communities which provide an environment where there is a culture of ‘informed vigilance’ as to the dangers of abuse.
• We will follow safe recruitment procedures to carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the church for children, young people and vulnerable adults, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes.
• We will respond to every complaint made which suggests that a child, young person or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, co-operating with the Police and Local Authority in any investigation.
• We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with him or her an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.
• We will care for and supervise any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.
• We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially anyone in a position of trust.
• We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.

In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognized good practice.

FULL POLICY

Click on the link below to view our safeguarding policy in full.

Parish safeguarding policy

SAFEGUARDING TEAM

Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Qamar Rafiq and he is the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or adult with vulnerability.

SAFEGUARDING LINKS

Parish Safeguarding Officer
Qamar Rafiq
Email Qamar

01225 351643

If you would prefer to speak with someone outside the church

Bath and Wells Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor
Ben Goodhind (Safeguarding Manager)

Tel: 01749 588917

Email: ben.goodhind@bathwells.anglican.org