Welcome to the Safeguarding Page of St John’s Church
St John’s is deeply committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of all our members, in particular those most vulnerable. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and it is vital we all understand the policies and procedures that underpin our determination to keep children and adults at risk of harm, safe and secure in our church.
As a church, and a diocese, we have committed to implementing the policies and procedures as laid down by the Church of England. Some of these documents are listed below. In addition to the Church of England policies, the Diocese of Chichester have developed important Diocesan documents as highlighted below.
Please be aware that policies and procedures are subject to minor alterations and changes. For the most up-to-date edition please go to the Church of England safeguarding website:
https://www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding
or speak to our Parish Safeguarding Officer Liesl Garry (contact details below).
Please read the Parish Safeguarding Handbook if you have any involvement with children or vulnerable adults. It is a valuable resource and summarises our safeguarding commitment. This handbook, published by the Safeguarding unit of the Church of England, brings together in one place the Safeguarding responsibilities for parishes as outlined in the ‘House of Bishops ‘Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance’. It has been designed to support day to day work of all parishes in relation to safeguarding and to support all those who have a key role to play with children, young people and adults who may be at risk of harm.
The latest edition is to be found at Parish Safeguarding Handbook
If you are visiting in person, please note the Policy Statement in the Church porch.
Please contact Parish Safeguarding Officer Liesl Garry if you have any questions about Safeguarding at St John’s Church. (Contact details below.)
These policies and procedures were first adopted by the Parish on 14th March 2020 and are reviewed annually.
Church of England Guidance:
- Promoting a Safer Church (2017)
- C of E Policy Statement (2017)
- Promoting a Safer Church Poster
- Safer Recruitment Practice Guide (2016)
- Safeguarding Training see: Learning and Development and also see the framework document here
- Training & Development Practice Guidance (2019)
- Safer Environment & Activities
- The Church of England Parish Safeguarding Handbook (2019)
Diocese of Chichester Policies and Procedures:
What to do if you suspect abuse or have a safeguarding concern:
If an adult or child is in immediate danger or need of medical attention, call the police 999.
Record and report all information to the Parish Safeguarding Officer or the incumbent. If they are not available, please see the contact list below.
For non-emergency concerns contact the Parish Safeguarding Officer or the clergy representative or, if not available, a Pastoral Facilitator. The Diocese Safeguarding Advisor will be consulted within 24 hours by the Safeguarding team or clergy for advice and guidance.
RECORD ALL ACTIONS and report to the Parish Safeguarding Officer or clergy.
(Wherever possible no action should be taken without the consent of the adult unless doing so is likely to increase the risk to the adult or put others at risk).
Parish Safeguarding Officer, Liesl Garry
E-mail: safeguarding@stjohnsbbh.org.uk
Phone: 07885 403349.
Clergy (Incumbent), Rev’d Mark Lavender
mark.lavender@stjohnsbbh.org.uk
07858 555 161
Clergy: Rev’d Brian New
brianthecurate@gmail.com
01403 251 068
Further support is also available from the Pastoral Facilitators:
Vivien Herbert: E-mail: vivherbert@btinternet.com Phone: 07725 692477
Hazel Lamb: E-mail: hazel_lamb@btinternet.com Phone: 07747 604 415
Audrey Lee: E-mail: audreylee123@btinternet.com Phone 01293 537702
Heather Nye heather.amelia@hotmail.com phone 01403 731 738
