Safeguarding

Creating a Caring Church Community

We aim to develop healthy cultures which prevent harm from taking place and ensure disclosures can be made safely when harm does occur.

If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact:

Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO)

Heather Siebenaller

Email Hjsiebenaller@gmail.com

Tel. 07794663817

It is important to know who to contact and what to do if you have a safeguarding concern.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

Treat everyone with respect, setting a positive example for others.
Respect personal space and privacy.
Ensure any actions can not be misrepresented by someone else.
Challenge unacceptable behaviour.
Do not put anyone, or yourself in a vulnerable or compromising situation.
Do not have inappropriate physical or verbal contact with others.
You must not keep allegations of suspected abuse secret.

What to do if you receive a disclosure of abuse

Listen carefully. Take what is said seriously.
Offer reassurance that disclosing is the right thing to do.
Do not promise confidentiality, say that you may need to seek advice.
Do not make assumptions or offer alternative explanations.
Make notes and check that you have understood the situation correctly.
Tell the individual what you are going to do next.
Only share information with those who need to know.
If someone is in immediate danger or at risk from significant harm call 999

The 4 Rs

- Recognise – the signs that indicate a safeguarding concern.
- Respond – Sensitively and listen. Don’t question or investigate.
- Record – What you have been told factually and accurately using the language of the person disclosing.
- Refer – the concern to the Parish Safeguarding Officer/Diocesan Safeguarding Officer who will advise on next steps.

There is no such thing as a “silly concern” or a “waste of time” if you have something which is worrying you. We want people to be in touch to talk things through, what ever the level of concern or advice needed.

If immediate help is required please contact the Police or Social Services.

All those working on behalf of St. Lawrence will :

Treat individuals with respect and dignity.
Ensure individuals know who they can talk to about a personal concern.
Record and report any safeguarding concern to the activity leader or to the PSO.
Obtain written consent for any photographs or videos taken or shared.

Safeguarding training and DBS checks are undertaken by people working with children, young people and adults in accordance with Promoting a Safer Church.

Safeguarding Training

Anyone who has a role within the church is required to undertake safeguarding training. This includes people who serve coffee, sides people, flower arrangers, bell ringers, volunteers, youth workers. All are welcome to participate in safeguarding training sessions.

Training sessions are available as face-to-face sessions or can be completed online via the Church of England National Safeguarding portal.

Details of training sessions and Sunday Safeguarding Surgeries are promoted in the Vicar’s weekly newsletter.

Safeguarding Contacts

Diocesan Safeguarding Team

9.00-17.00: 01452 835516
Out of hours: 07944 680320
Cover for advice and guidance over weekends and Bank Holidays. Provided by Thirtyone:eight safeguarding helpline: 0303 003 1111
Email: safeguarding@glosdioc.org.uk

Gloucestershire Children and Families help desk

01452 426868

GDASS

Gloucester Domestic Abuse Support Services
01452 726 570

Safe Spaces England and Wales.

For people over 18 regardless of whether abuse occurred recently or in the past or whether the perpetrator is alive or dead.
0300 303 1056

NSPCC

Prevention of Cruelty to Children
0808 800 5000

NAPAC

National Association for people abused in childhood
0808 801 0331

Clewer

Modern Day Slavery Support
Modern Slavery Helpline: 08000 121 700
Email: info@clewer.org.uk

Crisis Team

Available 24 hours 7 days a week: 0800 169 0398 and then:
Opt 1 Stroud and Cotswolds.
Opt 2 Gloucester and Forest
Opt 3 Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and N. Cotswold