What does safeguarding mean?
Safeguarding means the action that the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means that we will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, work to prevent abuse from occurring, seek to protect those that are at risk of being abused and respond well to those that have been abused. (Safeguarding Policy Statement of the Church of England)
“Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm” (Diocese of Bristol 2014)
Safeguarding means the action that the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means that we will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, work to prevent abuse from occurring, seek to protect those that are at risk of being abused and respond well to those that have been abused. (Safeguarding Policy Statement of the Church of England)
“Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm” (Diocese of Bristol 2014)
Safeguarding at Colerne
At St John the Baptist, Colerne we strive to do everything that we can to keep people safe when they use our buildings or take part in our groups and activities. We are especially mindful of the safety of our children, young people and vulnerable adults and have a comprehensive Safeguarding Policy, which may be viewed here: Safeguarding Policy
A key foundation of our policy is to ensure that those working with or potentially coming into contact with children, young people or vulnerable adults have an up to date, appropriate DBS check and are appropriately trained.
As our part of our commitment to Safeguarding, we have two designated Parish Safeguarding Officers and a Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, whose details are provided below:
The Safeguarding Officers arrange appropriate training, ensure that DBS checks are undertaken and provide a point of contact for further action for anyone who has any concerns with regard to Safeguarding. If someone has a concern about a church officer and is hesitant about talking to one of the Safeguarding Officers, Diocesan guidelines on the Allegations management procedure are available here.
A key foundation of our policy is to ensure that those working with or potentially coming into contact with children, young people or vulnerable adults have an up to date, appropriate DBS check and are appropriately trained.
As our part of our commitment to Safeguarding, we have two designated Parish Safeguarding Officers and a Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, whose details are provided below:
- Annette Hitch, Safeguarding Officer for Children who may be contacted on 01225 742718 or by email here, or
- Pamela Peel, Safeguarding Officer for Vulnerable Adults who may be contacted on 01225 971592, or
- Adam Bond, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser who may be contacted on 0117 906 0100 or by email here.
The Safeguarding Officers arrange appropriate training, ensure that DBS checks are undertaken and provide a point of contact for further action for anyone who has any concerns with regard to Safeguarding. If someone has a concern about a church officer and is hesitant about talking to one of the Safeguarding Officers, Diocesan guidelines on the Allegations management procedure are available here.
Safeguarding within Bristol Diocese
For more information about our safeguarding as part of the Diocese of Bristol, please visit the Diocesan website.
