Safeguarding
The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of the whole Church. Everyone who participates in the life of the Church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.
This document sets out the safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults policy of the Church of England. It has been informed by the Joint Safeguarding Statement between the Church of England and the Methodist Church, with whom we work jointly on many aspects of safeguarding policy on a covenant basis.
The Church of England safeguarding policy statement is based on 5 foundations and offers 6 overarching policy commitments:
- 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.
This policy applies to all Church Bodies and Church Officers.
Keeping our Young People Safe
We take our responsibility for the care and safety of our young people and vulnerable adults with the utmost seriousness, and we subscribe fully to the Diocese of Guildford’s policies, procedures and practices in respect of safeguarding which can be viewed at cofeguildford.org.uk/safeguardingpolicy.
Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor
Jackie Broadfoot
Parishes designated Safeguarding Lead: