THE WENT VALLEY PARISHES IN THE DIOCESE OF LEEDS

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SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS

Although the responsibility for Safeguarding lies in particular places, both within the diocese and the parish, it is everyone’s business to be vigilant.

If a child or adult is at immediate risk of significant harm, in the first instance you should always contact your local social services team or local police (call 101). You must then inform your Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser.

Team email: safeguarding@leeds.anglican.org

Office number: 0113 353 0257

DSAs remain available between 09.00 and 17.00, Monday to Friday. Advice on what action to take outside these hours can be found in the important information section above.

Responsibilities

Best practice for safeguarding is prevention. There are specific responsibilities for certain roles within the church, please make sure that you are aware of and act by those.

Parish Safeguarding Officer:

‘Eyes and ears’
Communicate with officers, congregation, Diocese Safeguarding Advisor
Report to PCC – prevention/protection
Recruit Safely, including DBS checks
Ensure volunteers and paid workers are trained

Churchwardens:

‘Eyes and ears’
Represent PCC
Check Insurance
Link with Health and Safety
Complete Archdeacon’s’ Articles of Enquiry

Parochial Church Council:
Agree policies and procedures for the Church.
Agree events and activities to be done in the Church’s name
Fund insurance and maintenance of safe buildings

All Church Wardens and volunteer leaders should also be familiar with this policy:


Safeguarding Contact Information and Advice

Whenever you need guidance or advice on safeguarding matters, please contact your Parish Safeguarding Officer:

When responding to specific situations or circumstances:

Listen – and keep listening
Don’t ask questions
Don’t promise confidentiality
Accept what you hear without passing judgement
Don’t investigate
Inform individual what you are going to do
Make careful notes as soon as you can (circumstances, what was said). Include date/time of the incident and keep safely
Contact the PSO/Vicar
Don’t talk to others
In an emergency contact Police/Children’s Services