Who is vulnerable?

•Children – anyone under 18 – always•Some adults – for instance if they :

ohave mobility difficultiesohave learning difficultiesoare ill – physically or mentallyohave other reasons – bereavement, financial problems, trouble with the law, victims of abuse

What does that mean?•We are all vulnerable at some time in our lives – its all of us, not ‘them’•Being vulnerable as an adult is not always permanent•We don’t always tell people – so we don’t always know•People who we think are vulnerable may not feel it themselves.

What does that mean?

•We are different from schools, hospitals and other places where vulnerable people are protected – we can’t be rigid in including and excluding people•Its complicated! – we mustn’t make assumptions about how adults feel and see themselves •We need a church which runs its activities in a way which welcomes all, but sets limits on risks

What are we committed to?

•Ensuring the well-being of children and young people and adults who may be vulnerable in the church community•Creating a youth-friendly and child-friendly environment•Creating a welcoming, respectful environment for everyone, which is safe from abuse

What is ‘A Safe Church’?•The Diocesan and St xxxxx’s Safeguarding policies and procedures, designed to:

okeep safe children and adults who are vulnerableosupport and protect adults – volunteers and paid – who work with children and vulnerable adultsoensure that St xxxxx’s Church has a good name and reputation in caring for all people

What’s in A Safe Church?

Three policies•for safeguarding children•for safeguarding adults who may be vulnerable•for responding to domestic abuse

Procedures and guidelines•lots of them, which explain how we put the policies into action

Where can I find ‘A Safe Church’?

•Location in church•On a disc which can be borrowed•On the diocesan website, www.southwark.anglican.org/what/diocesan-policies-procedures

So what does it mean for St XXXXX’s?

•We make sure we recruit volunteers and paid staff safely, by:oreferences and interviewsoCRB, and following recommendations on any risks they pose

•We run our activities as safely as we can – have enough leaders, check regularly that our buildings and activities are safe, and risks are minimal

So what does it mean for St XXXXX’s?

•We know what to do if anyone makes an allegation or has any concerns about a child or vulnerable adult’s well-being, or if there are people known to pose a risk: oWe work with our archdeacon (xxxxx) and Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (Jill) to follow procedures, be supported and make difficult situations better and not worseoWe work with statutory agencies (Social Care Services, Police)oWe think about the consequences for everyoneoWe aim to ensure that everyone involved is cared for

So what does it mean for St XXXXX’s?

•We take all complaints seriously (through the churchwardens, vicar and Parish Safeguarding Officers)•We make sure we share information carefully, and keep records carefully and confidentially•We make sure appropriate boundaries of confidentiality and consent are followed (we don’t gossip).

So what do you need to do?•You can read relevant bits of the manual, always available at the back of the church•You can borrow the disc to take home•You can ask us questions – over coffee, or any time - about how we do things and why•You can put a question or suggestion in the box at the back of church – today or any time – and we will follow these up and take everything you say seriously

So what do you need to do?•You can play your part in what we are committed to:

oensuring the well-being of children and young people and adults who may be vulnerable in the church communityocreating a youth-friendly and child-friendly environmentocreating a welcoming, respectful environment for everyone, which is safe from abuse

•You can be vigilant and alert in the way you care for yourself and others at St xxxxx’s

And finally…

•If you are ever worried about your own safety or the safety of children or other adults who may be vulnerable, or the way we do things –•talk to one of the people involved in safeguarding at St xxxxx’s(names)•don’t take your worries home with you.•don’t moan or gossip!

Safeguarding PeopleParish Safeguarding OfficersEmail telChurchwardensEmail telVicarEmail tel