As a benefice, we take safeguarding seriously and are committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect. We want our churches and communities to be safe places for all. We therefore follow the Truro Diocese and National Church of England guidelines to make sure we are following best practice and have the right measures in place. Below is a poster with details of the Five Standards we have committed to, followed by a copy of our Safeguarding policy.
If you need support or to raise a concern, you can contact our Safeguarding officer Carol, or the rector, Simon, via email on our Contact page. or call:
Carol, our Safeguarding officer: 01840 211094
Simon, our Rector: 01840 250359
You can also contact the Diocesan Safeguarding officer, Andy Earl by phone at: 01872 274351 or via email: andy.earl@truro.anglican.org
Outside of office hours, support can also be obtained by calling: 01208 251300.
To find out more about these standards, visit the Truro Diocesan safeguarding page here.
Links to organisations that can offer support can be found here.
Other information on types of abuse and support available can be found here.
The Parishes of the Boscastle group of Churches
Safeguarding Policy
Promoting a safer Church
The following policy is reviewed and agreed by each Parochial Church Council (PCC) at the beginning of each year.
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 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 Adviser (DSA) 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.
- 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.