Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from their creation 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.
Watch this video to find out a bit more about Safeguarding
All Saints Church is committed to:
• The care, nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children and all adults
• The safeguarding and protection of all children and young people, and adults when they are vulnerable
• The establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is a culture of ‘informed vigilance’ as to the dangers of abuse.
• Carefully selecting and training all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with safer recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes.
• Respond without delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed, co-operating with the police and local authority in any investigation.
• Working with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with him or her an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.
• Challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.
• Offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.
In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice.
Contacts
Parish Safeguarding Officer
Tom Lochhead Tel: 07791 210955
Parish Safeguarding Officer and Children’s Advocate
Kathryn Pelling Tel: 07800 595174
To contact the Parish Safeguarding Officers please use the form at the bottom of this page
We observe Safeguarding Sunday each year
Oxford Diocese Safeguarding Officer for Berkshire
Charlotte Wilmshurst: 07443 700159
Call 01865 208 295 or email safeguardingreferrals@oxford.anglican.org for urgent safeguarding concerns Monday to Thursday 9am – 5pm and Friday 9am – 4.30pm.
Out of Hours Safeguarding Helpline
For enquiries outside of operational hours of an urgent safeguarding nature please call our partners Thirtyone:eight (formerly Churches Child Protection Advisory service [CCPAS]) on 0303 003 1111. You will be able to get confidential advice, guidance, and support.
Policies
Summary All Saints Safeguarding Policy – read here
Full All Saints Safeguarding Policy – read here
Useful reference documents
Code of Safer Working Practice read here
Safeguarding Older People from Abuse & Neglect- read here
Promoting a Safer Church – read here
Safe in God’s hands? A sermon about safeguarding by The Reverend Colin James on Safeguarding Sunday 2022 – read here
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If you have any concerns about safeguarding at All Saints Church please contact us using this form
