Safeguarding

Following the publication in November 2024 of the Makin report and the subsequent resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Revd Justin Welby, Bishop Richard Jackson has issued a statement.  He also spoke about the implications of the report in his weekly video on 14 November.

Promoting a safer church

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy, the churches in the St Weonards benefice are 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.

Each 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 their Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.

Each person who works within our church communities agrees to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by each PCC.

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.

Local contacts available to speak to if you have any concerns:

The Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) for St Weonards is Fiona Mynors.  Please contact our incumbent, or the appropriate churchwarden, for details of other Parish Safeguarding Officers.

Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA): Carl Steventon 07593 817717

Herefordshire Council Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub – Children: 01432 260800  Adults: 01432 260715  (Emergency Duty Team – after 5 pm, weekends and Public Holidays – 0330 123 9309) 

If there is immediate risk or danger, please contact the Police on 101 or 999.

Other contact numbers: