Church documents
In this section you can find important documents about the Church. Click on the links below to access them.
Tower Health and Safety Policy
Safeguarding
These are the contact details for our Parish Safeguarding Officer, and attached is a copy of the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy which has been adopted by each PCC and is displayed in each of our parish churches.
Parish Safeguarding Officer: Lesley Bensley
07901 882464
This parish recognises that the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults is paramount and that we have a duty of care when they are in our charge. We will do everything that we can to provide a safe and caring environment whilst they attend our activities.
We will:
* Treat all children, young people and vulnerable adults and groups with respect and celebrate their achievements.
* Recruit and select all those working with children, young people and vulnerable adults or groups on our behalf in accordance with Church of England Practice Guidance on Safer Recruitment.
* Provide a code of conduct for all staff to include the assessment of risk for key roles when working with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
* Respond to concerns and allegations without delay in accordance with Diocesan Safeguarding procedures.
Concerns
When there is a disclosure of harm or there are concerns about the welfare of any children, young person or vulnerable adult, all adults in our church community are expected to share their concerns and allegations with:
• The Parish/Benefice Safeguarding Officer or the Parish Priest.
Any referrals should be made without delay to:
• Suffolk County Council Customer First - 0808 800 4005 (Freephone from landlines and some mobiles).
• If a child, young person, or vulnerable adult is at risk of immediate harm, the police should be immediately informed – 999.
Allegations
Additionally, in accordance with diocesan safeguarding procedures, all allegations against staff or volunteers should also be referred to the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (07785621319) by the parish priest at the earliest opportunity. If the priest is implicated then the churchwarden should be informed and, following Diocesan procedures, inform the Diocesan Bishop (01473) 252829 without delay.
The parish safeguarding officer is responsible for:
• Helping to ensure that all those who work with children, young people or vulnerable adults on behalf of the parish or benefice are aware of the Diocesan Safeguarding procedures. These are available from the Diocesan Websitewww.cofesuffolk.org/safeguarding.
• Helping to ensure that all those who work with children, young people or vulnerable adults receive diocesan safeguarding training, as appropriate.
Course and booking information is available on the diocesan website-
https://www.cofesuffolk.org/for-parishes/promoting-a-safer-church/safeguarding-training/
In our church community we will
* Treat all children, young people or vulnerable adults with respect and dignity.
* Ensure that their welfare and safety is paramount at all times.
* Always act in a professional way and not accept bullying.
* Liaise openly (where it does not place a child, young person or vulnerable adult at risk) with parents and carers.
* Only use physical contact in an entirely appropriate manner.
* Avoid being alone with children and young people (unless it is absolutely necessary to do so).
* Listen to, and act upon, any disclosures/allegations/concerns that a child, young person or vulnerable adult has been harmed.
* Ensure that all those working with children, young people or vulnerable adults receive the appropriate diocesan safeguarding training.
For people with key roles working with children and/or young people:
• Supervision should be in place to ensure that the code of conduct is being followed.
• Issues concerning the management of children and young people regarding such things as one-to-one working should be discussed and risk-assessed by the PCC in light of this code of conduct.
• A clear statement should be made regarding the non-compliance to the code of conduct by individuals, e.g. ‘Non-Compliance will automatically lead to the person being suspended from working with children, young people or vulnerable adults on behalf of the parish or benefice’. Any concerns about that person’s behaviour regarding children, young people or vulnerable adults will be reported to the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor and/or the police without delay.
Statement from Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocese
This parish is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and adults from harm. The parish follows the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Safeguarding Officer. Our Diocese of St. Edmundsbury & Ipswich’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer who advises our parish Safeguarding Officer. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm, please contact the parish Safeguarding Officer (details above) or the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, Karen Galloway 07785 621319 or safeguarding@ cofesuffolk.org If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services.
Further information can be found on the diocesan website Promoting a safer church - Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.