Safeguarding Policy
The Wantsum Benefice: Chislet, Minster, Monkton & St Nicholas-at-Wade
Safeguarding
At
the Wantsum Benefice we want to make everyone feel welcome and safe. To help
with this we have two Safeguarding Officers whose roles include looking out for
those within our churches who may need support. They are also available to
speak to about any issues or concerns you may have. Their contact details
are below.
Every
volunteer who helps with children and youth work has to complete an application
form, a DBS check and two references.
As
a Parish we are fully signed up to the Diocesan Safeguarding Training
framework.
The Benefice parochial church councils have adopted the
safeguarding policies and procedures of the Church of England. In particular we
are committed to:
the safeguarding of all children, young people and vulnerable adults
carefully selecting and training paid and voluntary staff who might come into contact with children or vulnerable adults, using the Disclosure and Barring Service amongst other tools, to check their suitability
responding without delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed
cooperating fully with the police, local authority and any other appropriate statutory body in any investigation
ministering appropriately to anyone, child or adult, who has experienced abuse
extending pastoral care to those known to have offended against children or vulnerable adults whilst ensuring that children and vulnerable adults are protected from them
We have appointed as the Parish Safeguarding Coordinators:
Mrs Sally Willins Mrs Fran Kimmons
01843 822428 01843 823152
The Parish Safeguarding Coordinators are available to speak with
adults or children.
This policy is reviewed and renewed annually in May of each year and displayed in the church.
Our
Safeguarding Policy, which accords with the Diocesan Policy, can be read here.
Where
to get help and advice:
Full
details of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisors, who can give expert and
immediate support on any Safeguarding concern, are available here.
You can get immediate support from Childline on 0800 1111 or the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.
Any
parent or carer wishing to talk about parenting problems can contact Family
Lives on 0808 800 2222
If
you believe someone is at immediate risk or danger, you should call the police
on 999.
Kent
County Council services can be accessed as follows:
Main contact: 03000 41 41 41
- Adult social services & health: 03000 41 61 61
- Children & Families Information Service: 03000 41 23 23
- Children’s social services: 03000 41 11 11