Safeguarding

The Diocese of York is part of the Church of England, whose Archbishops, Bishops, clergy and leaders are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church

Safeguarding

Safeguarding means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means 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. We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others, and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks.

The Church of England affirms the ‘Whole Church’ approach to safeguarding. This approach encompasses a commitment to consistent policy and practice across all Church bodies, Church Officers and that everyone associated with the Church, who comes into contact with children, young people and adults, has a role to play.

The Church will take appropriate steps to maintain a safer environment for all and to practice fully and positively Christ's Ministry towards children, young people and adults; to respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help keep them safe from harm.

The Diocesan Safeguarding team may be contacted directly here.

Parish of St Thomas Osbaldwick with St James Murton - Safeguarding Policy

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is 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
  • Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others

The 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 the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually

Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

A copy of this safeguarding policy can be downloaded here.

Eileen Hallam

Mrs Eileen Hallam

Safeguarding Officer
Glen Hallam

Mr Glen Hallam

Safeguarding Officer