Safeguarding
Promoting a Safer Church
We take the welfare and safety of all our members very seriously. If you have any concerns, or need to contact our safeguarding officer, Gani Martins.
Safeguarding Policy – Promoting a Safer Church
The Parish of St James with St Clement, Moss Side and St Edmunds, Whalley Range
(As agreed at the PCC meeting held on 10th March 2025)
Commitment to the Church of England Safeguarding Policy
Our church is committed to:
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Promoting a safer environment and culture.
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Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
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Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
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Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
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Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
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Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
The Parish Will:
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Create a safe and caring place for all.
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Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
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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.
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Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
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Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
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Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
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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.
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Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
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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.
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Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
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Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.
Each person working within this church community agrees to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by the church.
Further guidance can be found in The Church of England Parish Safeguarding Handbook, which provides detailed advice on responding to concerns.
Safeguarding Contacts
Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO)
Gani Martins
Tel: 07983 954 593
Vicar
Rev Tom Studman
Email: stedsandstjames@gmail.com
Tel: 0161 226 1291
Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
If you have a safeguarding concern, the Safeguarding Officer or any of the contacts listed above can be approached for support, guidance, and referral to statutory authorities if necessary.
In an emergency, if the Vicar or Safeguarding Officer cannot be reached, you should contact Social Services or the Police directly.
It is essential that the Vicar or the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser is informed as soon as possible of any action taken.