SAFEGUARDING
See how we celebrate our safe space and learn how we can all keep it safe
What do we mean by “Safeguarding”?
Safeguarding is the protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults from abuse. Abuse can take various forms, including physical, emotional or sexual abuse and neglect.
Who is responsible for Safeguarding?
We all are, as a society. If we suspect that someone is the victim of abuse, then we must not rely on someone else to do something about it.
We must not brush off a genuine concern, however small, with “It’s none of my business”, “If I’ve spotted it, someone else is bound to have” or “Maybe I’m just imagining it”.
Each of us has a responsibility to (discretely) voice our concerns to someone who is in a position to act on them, e.g. a teacher or local child protection team.
How do we handle Safeguarding?
The Benefice takes our responsibility very seriously. We recognise that we must take all steps necessary to ensure that:
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no abuse ever happens during any form of church activity, and
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should we ever receive a report of abuse – whether inside or outside of church activities – then the relevant people must know how to deal with it kindly, discretely, swiftly and effectively
We have a clear set of policies and procedures which can be viewed here:
which our Priest In Charge, Safeguarding Team and everyone working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are familiar with. Please look at the video.
Our Team
Reflections on the year
Christine Goodwin
April 2022
We are pleased to report that there have been no Safeguarding issues this year.
The policies concerning Safeguarding, Safer Recruitment, Vulnerable Adults, Children, Lone workers and Domestic Violence have
been reviewed and approved by PCC. The need for all volunteers and paid staff to be recruited in accordance with the policy
guidelines has had to be re-emphasised.
The policy and related forms for the hiring of the Church Rooms has been amended to comply with the Safeguarding
requirements of the Church of England.
When our Churches were reopened, a letter was added to the weekly news sheet reminding everyone about the need for
vigilance and what to do if concerned.
DBS checks are now electronically processed by Marilyn Berridge and Leanne Coomber continues to organise Safeguarding
training on line.
During the year we have liaised with the various church groups and have been able to give advice when asked.
The group aims to continue to keep abreast of the information and advice sent down from the House of Bishops whilst at the
same time continuing with the all-important work of safeguarding our whole Church community. We will continue until a
Safeguarding strategy is developed across the new benefice.
What to do if you have a Safeguarding concern
Speak to one of the Safeguarding Team immediately. Your concern will be dealt with in strictest confidence and in accordance with our Safeguarding Policies and Procedures.
If you have any concerns you would like to talk through, please contact:
Christine Goodwin – 01256 893115 - ahsafeguarding.whitchurch@gmail.com
Alternatively, you can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer:
Jackie Rowlands - 01962 737317 - safeguarding@winchester.anglican.org
If neither Safeguarding Officer is available and you need immediate advice or help Monday to Friday 6pm - 8am, or on a weekend or bank holidays, please call the Hampshire Children's Services Department out of hours service on: 0300 555 1373.
Full details of the Diocese of Winchester's Safeguarding principles and guidelines, including handbooks etc. can be found here.
For all emergency situations, contact the police on 999.
Helplines
For a list of helplines and useful websites click here - Winchester Diocese Safeguarding Helplines List
Safeguarding Policies
Our Safeguarding Policies can be viewed here:
Children
CEOP helps any child or young person under the age of 18 who is being pressured, forced or tricked into taking part in sexual activity of any kind. This can be something that has taken place either online or in ‘the real world’, or both. The CEOP Safety Centre has clear information and advice on what can be reported to CEOP, the reporting process and what will happen if you do decide to make a report. You can visit the CEOP Safety Centre and make a report directly to CEOP by clicking the Click CEOP button.
If you are experiencing online bullying or something else online has worried you please speak to an adult you trust, or you can talk to Childline at any time on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk.
Online bullying or other online concerns should not be reported to CEOP and children and young people should be directed to speak to an adult they trust, and/or referred to Childline, if they would like to speak to someone about how they are feeling.