The Parish of Holy Trinity, Minchinhampton
with St Barnabas, Box
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH
The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on Tuesday 28 February 2023.
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:
• Promoting a safer environment and culture.
• Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people
and vulnerable adults within the church.
• Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
• Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
• Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other
affected persons.
• Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
The Parish will:
• Create a safe and caring place for all.
• Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to
implement policy and procedures.
• Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and
adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
• Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults
undertaken in the name of the parish.
• Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are
safeguarding concerns or support needs.
• Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
• Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises,
following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA)
and statutory agencies immediately.
• Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it
occurred.
• Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and
adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
• Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these
are reviewed annually.
• Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.
Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.
This parish appoints Jackie Ellis as the Parish Safeguarding Officer
Incumbent Revd Canon Howard Gilbert
Churchwardens Angie Ayling and Caroline Thackray
Date: 17 July 2023