Safeguarding

Safeguarding means the actions we take to promote a safer culture in our church.

The Parish of St John’s regards the welfare of the child, young person and vulnerable adult as paramount at all times. It takes precedence over all other considerations.

St John’s has partnered with the Portsmouth Diocese Safeguarding Team to develop and operate a Safeguarding Policy for both children and vulnerable adults.

The Church is committed to ensuring that everyone working with children, young people,
and vulnerable adults:

• has undergone a disclosure and barring service check at enhanced level,
• is adequately trained and supervised,
• understands and follows the Church’s Safeguarding Policy.

As part of our commitment to children, young people and vulnerable adults the Church has appointed Karen Dillon-Shallard as Parish Safeguarding Officer. Contact details are displayed on the church notice board.

Should any Church member have any child protection concerns they must:

• call the police and/or social services immediately on 999 If a child or adult is
  in immediate danger or requires medical attention.
• For all child protection concerns record and report all information to the
  Parish Priest and Parish Safeguarding Officer.
• The Parish Priest or Parish Safeguarding Officer will seek the advice of the
  Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and if appropriate contact the statutory
  authorities.

The Parish of St John’s:

• Will ensure that all the necessary checks are made to promote the safe
  selection and recruitment of those who work with vulnerable groups, and
  provide the necessary supervision, support and training to them in order that
  they can undertake their roles effectively.
• Will adopt the guidelines of the Church of England and the Diocese.
• Commit our Church to become a safe haven where victims of domestic abuse can
  come for help.
• Review our policy annually, and as part of this, check that our parish
  safeguarding procedures are up-to-date and relevant.

Additional Information and Documentation

• St Johns Safeguarding Policy – October 2023
• St Johns Safeguarding Policy Statement – April 2022
• Lone Working Diocesan Guidance Document – Nov 2016
• Pastoral Visiting Code of Conduct for St John’s Fareham – January 2022
• Domestic Abuse Charter – Sept 2019
• Church of England Safeguarding – Promoting a safer church 2017

St John’s Safeguarding Officer Contact Information

Contact can be made via the church office on 01329 280762 or through email safeguarding@stjohnsfareham.org.uk.

Diocesan Contact information

Concerns (Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm)

Email: safeguarding@portsmouth.anglican.org

Tel: 023 9289 9665

Out of Hours

0303 003 1111

Please click here for the Diocesan Safeguarding Webpage and further details.