Safeguarding Updated October 2023

St Andrew’s Church and St Michael's Church are committed to the safety and well being of all children, young people and vulnerable adults who fall within our care. A copy of our joint Safeguarding Policy may be viewed below. These details also apply to Stitch and to Crafty Church which are run under the banner of the two churches

If you have any concerns at all about the welfare of children or vulnerable adults you can contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer:

Heather Hermes on 01784 391417 email: HermesHev57@gmail.com

Alternatively you can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Tsungai Muchegwa,

Mobile: 07435 550685, Office Tel:01865 208295 (Main office) Email: Tsungai.Muchegwa@oxford.anglican.org or

SafeguardingReferrals@oxford.anglican.org or the Local Authority Social Services team on 01628 683150

To respond to safeguarding concerns please see our 2021 procedure here

Our 2021 safeguarding referral form is available here

The Parishes of St Andrew’s Wraysbury and St Michael's Horton SAFEGUARDING POLICY

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meetings held on 5th October 2023 (St Andrew's) and 9th August 2022 (St Michael's)

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 front page of 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 Team 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.
Inform the Diocesan Safeguarding Team if we use an alternative DBS Umbrella Body to APCS and if we receive any DBS Disclosures that are not clear.
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 church appoints Heather Hermes as the Parish Safeguarding Officer.