Statement of safeguarding principles
Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of humans in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.
Principles
We are committed to:
the care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and adults
the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable
the establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse.
We will carefully select and
train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line
with safer recruitment principles, including the use of criminal
records disclosures and registration with
the relevant vetting and barring schemes.
We will respond without delay to every complaint made which suggests that a child, young person or adult may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation.
We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.
We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.
We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our Church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.
In all these principles, we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice.
The formal safeguarding policy of the Circuit, adopted 12 Sep 2022, can be found here.
Contact details for the Safeguarding Officer for each church can be found on the "Our Churches" pages.
Circuit Safeguarding Officer:
Jane Shakeshaft, tel. 01229 585350
or click here to send her an email
District Safeguarding Officer:
Graham Kay, tel. 07704 037011
or click here to send him an email
Other useful telephone numbers
Police
Public Protection Unit, Barrow: 01229 848807
Children’s
Services
Safeguarding
Hub: 0333 240 1727
Out of hours: 01768
895019
Adult
Social Services
01228
606060
Out of hours: 01228
526690