MERIDIAN BENEFICE
Safeguarding Statement for Children and Vulnerable Adults
The Meridian Benefice – the parish churches of Bluntisham-
Our parish safeguarding officers are:
Bluntisham-
Colne: Mr Robert Major safeguarding.colne@meridianbenefice.org.uk
Holywell-
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Rebecca Boswell
rebecca.boswell@elydiocese.org 07904 487912
We follow recommended safeguarding practice in recruiting, training and supporting our ordained and lay ministers, our employees and our volunteers. Recruitment includes Criminal Records Bureau checks for those working regularly or substantially with children and/or vulnerable adults. Health and safety policies are in place and we have provided adequate insurance cover for all activities undertaken in the name of the parish. All those working on behalf of the parish have agreed to comply with the safeguarding policy and with the good practice guidelines for their work.
We respond without delay to any complaint that a child or vulnerable adult in our
care may have been harmed by the behaviour of an employee or volunteer working on
behalf of the church. We always seek advice on such matters from outside this church,
and we will co-
We seek to offer informed pastoral care and support to any child or adult whose life has been affected by abuse, whether the abuse was recent or long ago. Where there is a current risk to vulnerable people that has not yet been brought to light, we support the person who has suffered abuse in taking information to the appropriate agencies.
This church wishes to welcome and support all members of its community. Those who have a history of offences against children or vulnerable adults, and/or who may pose a risk to them are offered a supportive agreement to help them take part in church life; they are supported pastorally, and boundaries are set to protect those who might be vulnerable within the church. Confidential safeguarding agreements are the responsibility of the Bishop’s Safeguarding Adviser and the incumbent, who work together.
We regularly review and update our safeguarding policy, and we welcome comments from
those using our services on how we could improve our awareness and safeguarding practices.
The
next review of this policy is due in March 2023
Parish safeguarding policies (click to download):
See also the Church of England’s policy statement ‘Promoting a Safer Church’
Safe Spaces – A service for victims and
survivors of church-
Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service for anyone who has experienced abuse in relation to the Church of England, the Church in Wales, or the Catholic Church of England and Wales.