Safeguarding
Meet St Ben's Safeguardians:
Hi I’m Ally, and I am St Ben’s Lead Safeguarding Officer (LSO) and I am assisted by my Deputy Jacqueline. If you have any worries or are concerned about anything we do or that you see, I am the first person to approach, though my Deputy, Jacqueline, can also address your concerns. There are some other 'Safe Guardians' that can also be approached if I or Jacqueline are not available.
As a parent I know several adults at risk. I believe it is our collective responsibility to remain vigilant and prioritise the safety of those who are more vulnerable. With the full endorsement of the Parochial Church Council (PCC), I have committed myself to be St Ben’s Lead Safeguardian (PSO). I will do my utmost to ensure that, as individuals, church members, and as part of our wider community groups, we all firstly adhere to the National safeguarding procedures and the policies of the Church of England.
As a parent I know several adults at risk. I believe it is our collective responsibility to remain vigilant and prioritise the safety of those who are more vulnerable. With the full endorsement of the Parochial Church Council (PCC), I have committed myself to be St Ben’s Lead Safeguardian (PSO). I will do my utmost to ensure that, as individuals, church members, and as part of our wider community groups, we all firstly adhere to the National safeguarding procedures and the policies of the Church of England.
Safeguardians:
These additional friendly faces can also help if Ally or Jacqueline aren't available:
We take seriously our responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Reporting safeguarding concerns:
To report any safeguarding concerns, please contact our Church Safeguarding Officer, safeguarding@Stbens.uk or you can speak directly with your vicar or churchwarden.
Alternatively, contact the Team:
Safeguarding team email address: safeguarding@peterborough-diocese.org.uk
Please direct all general safeguarding enquiries to the above email address.
Safeguarding Office: 01733 887000
Office hours: Monday – Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm
Diocesan Safeguarding Officer:
Victoria Kellett
Office: 01733 887040
Mobile: 07484 424378
victoria.kellett@peterborough-diocese.org.uk
Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser:
Amie Freeman
Office: 01733 887041
Mobile: 07484 424380
amie.freeman@peterborough-diocese.org.uk
Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser:
Pia Cammarata
Office: 01733 887039
Mobile: 07484 424379
pia.cammarata@peterborough-diocese.org.uk
If a child or adult is in serious danger contact the police 999 / 101.
Outside of office hours, from 5pm, advice can be sought from the Thirtyone:eight safeguarding helpline on 0303 003 1111, selecting option 2. Thirtyone:eight is an independent safeguarding charity which works in close partnership with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team (DST). More information can be found here: https://thirtyoneeight.org/
Safeguarding statement
1. Promoting a safer environment and culture
We will strive to create and maintain environments that are safer for all, that promote well-being, that prevent abuse, and that create nurturing, caring conditions within the Church for children, young people and vulnerable adults. Our Church Officers will respect all children, young people and vulnerable adults and promote their well-being.
2. Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults within the Church.
We will select and vet all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the Church, in accordance with the House of Bishops safeguarding policy and practice guidance. We will train and equip Church Officers to have the confidence and skills they need to care and support children, young people and vulnerable adults and to recognise and respond to abuse.
3. Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
Anyone who brings any safeguarding suspicion, concern, knowledge or allegation of current or non-current abuse to the notice of the Church will be responded to respectfully and in a timely manner, in line with statutory child and adult safeguarding procedures and the House of Bishops safeguarding policy and practice guidance.
4. Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons
We will endeavour to offer care and support to all those that have been abused, regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred. Those who have suffered abuse within the Church will receive a compassionate response, be listened to and be taken seriously
5. Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons
The Church in exercising its responsibilities to suspicions, concerns, knowledge or allegations of abuse will endeavour to respect the rights under criminal, civil and ecclesiastical law of an accused Church Officer including the clergy. A legal presumption of innocence will be maintained during the statutory and Church inquiry processes. The Church will take responsibility for ensuring that steps are taken to protect others when any Church Officer is considered a risk to children, young people and vulnerable adults.
6. Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
The Church, based on the message of the gospel, opens its doors to all. We will therefore endeavour to offer pastoral care and support to any member of the church community who may present a known risk. The Church will ensure that any risk has been assessed and is being managed in a safeguarding agreement in accordance with House of Bishops policy and practice guidance.
Note: Statement adapted from The Church of England’s Safeguarding Policy for Children, Young People and Adults 2017.