This policy was adopted by the PCC of Bourton-on-the-Water with Clapton-on-the-Hill at the Parochial Church Council meeting held on 13th May 2024. These policies will be reviewed each year to monitor the progress which has been achieved and a copy shared with the Archdeacon at the time of the Visitation.

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:

a. Promoting a safer environment and culture.

b. Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.

c. Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.

d. Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.

e. Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.

f. Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.

The Parish will: 

1.  Create a safe and caring place for all.

2.  Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.

3. 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.

4. Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.

5. Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.

6. Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.

7. 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.

8. Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.

9. 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.

10. Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.

11. Will ensure that all completed personnel records are appropriately stored, and any information both online and physical will be stores securely and confidentially in line with GDPR requirements.

12. Will advise any individual organisation hiring /using church premises for activities involving children, young people and/or vulnerable adults is aware of its own responsibilities to have appropriate safeguarding policies and measures in place.

13. Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.

14. Will inform the necessary statutory agencies of any concerns raised, and will inform and work closely with Diocesan staff and all statutory agencies.

15. Will ensure that we work closely with Diocese to ensure any required DBS or other required checks are made in line with Diocesan requirements.

16. Will work closely with the Diocese in ensuring appropriate people are trained and updated in line with Diocesan requirements.

The PCC recognises the following areas of work with children, young people and vulnerable adults in the areas of:

·        Bumblebeez (Parent & Toddler Group)

·        The Light Group (Sunday school)

·        Youth Club & other Youth Work

·        Breakfast Church

·        Informal Children’s and All age services

·        Assemblies, school visits, Open the Book

·        Children’s Parties

·        Confirmation preparation

·        Bereavement Course

·        Together on Tuesdays

·        Warm Space on Tuesdays (link work with primary school)

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 Mrs Gill Willett as the Parish Safeguarding Officer

 Incumbent : We are in vacancy at the moment

Churchwardens : Julie Smith & Patricia Taylor

 Date: 13th May 2024

If you have any concerns about any safeguarding issues please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of the clergy, Parish Safeguarding Officer or the Church wardens

PSO                          Mrs Gill Willett                 Contact: 07759938180 or familywillett@hotmail.co.uk

Church Warden    Mrs Julie Smith                  Contact: 07769311127 or juliesmith-warden@stlawrencebotw.co.uk

Church Warden    Mrs Pat Taylor                    Contact: 07518457652 or patriciataylor4@icloud.com

Rev Hannah Allen - Assistant Curate Contact: 01451 542004 or revhannah@protonmail.com

Rev Nina Summerfield - Associate Priest, House for Duty Contact: 01451 810309 or revd.nina@gmail.com