Safeguarding

Our Benefice Safeguarding Officer is Steph Mackay. However, the care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of the church.

In accordance with the Church of England safeguarding policy Promoting a Safer Church, the Benefice of St Bartholomew is committed to:

  • Promoting a safer environment and culture for all.
  • Safely recruiting, training and supporting all those who work with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
  • Responding promptly and appropriately to every safeguarding concern, working in cooperation with statutory agencies, including the police and local authority.
  • Caring pastorally for victims and survivors of abuse, and for others affected.
  • Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of safeguarding concerns, while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
  • Responding appropriately to anyone who may pose a risk to others.

Safeguarding Policy for the Benefice of St Bartholomew

The Benefice of St Bartholomew’s Safeguarding Policy and Guidelines have been developed in conjunction with the Diocese of Salisbury Safeguarding and Good Practice Guidelines. In line with this guidance, and the principles above, each PCC has adopted the following commitments and will:

  • Create and maintain a safe and caring environment for all.
  • Appoint a named Safeguarding Officer to work with the incumbent and PCC to implement safeguarding policy and procedures.
  • Safely recruit, train and support all those with responsibility for children, young people and adults, equipping them to recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns.
  • Ensure appropriate insurance cover is in place for all church activities involving children and adults.
  • Display safeguarding contact details clearly in church buildings and on the Benefice website.
  • Listen carefully to, and take seriously, all disclosures of abuse.
  • Take immediate action when safeguarding concerns arise, following House of Bishops’ guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies as required.
  • Offer appropriate support to victims and survivors of abuse, regardless of when or where the abuse occurred.
  • Care for and monitor any individual who may pose a risk to others, while safeguarding the wellbeing of all involved.
  • Ensure that health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments are in place and reviewed annually.
  • Review safeguarding policies, procedures and practices at least once a year.

Everyone who works within this church community is expected to uphold this policy and follow the safeguarding guidelines of the church.

Safeguarding Contacts

If you have any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child, young person or vulnerable adult, please contact the Benefice Safeguarding Officer, Steph Mackay, as soon as possible:

Email: safeguarding@benofbart.org.uk

You may also seek advice from the Diocese of Salisbury Safeguarding Team:
Email: safeguarding@salisbury.anglican.org
Telephone: 01722 438 650

If your concern is urgent or arises outside normal office hours (from 5pm Friday to 10pm Sunday), please contact thirtyone:eight on 0303 003 1111, or call 999 if someone is in immediate danger of serious harm.

Other Safeguarding Support Organisations