Statement of Safeguarding Principles

The Church of England works in partnership with other Christian Churches and other agencies in delivering safeguarding. In partnership with the Methodist Church, the following statement of principles appears at the head of each safeguarding policy:

We are committed to

• The care, nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and all adults
• The safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and all adults
• The establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where victims of abuse can report or disclose abuse and where they can find support and best practice that contributes to the prevention of abuse

To this end:

• We will carefully select, support 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/membership of the relevant vetting and barring schemes
• We will respond without delay to every complaint made, that any adult, child or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation
• We will seek to offer informed pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry that recognises the importance of understanding the needs of those who have been abused, including their feelings of alienation and/or isolation
• We will seek to protect survivors of sexual abuse from the possibility of further harm and abuse
• 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 appropriate authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult

Contact the Diocese of Lincoln Safeguarding Team: 01522 504070

Available 08.30 to 17.00 Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). Outside of these hours raise urgent concerns with the Local Authority:

Children’s Safeguarding - 01522 782111

Adults Safeguarding - 01522 782155

Outside office hours - 01522 782333

For emergencies contact 999

If a child or adult is at immediate risk of significant harm, in the first instance you should always contact your Local Authority team or local Police (call 101)

Some useful numbers

EdanLincs (Domestic Abuse) 01522 510041

Mens Advice Line: 0808 510041

Elder Abuse Hotline: 0800 0699 784

Safe Spaces: 0300 303 1056

NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

Samaritans: 116 123

Alzheimers Society: 0333 1503456

Victim Lincs: 01522 947510

Lincolnshire Rape Crisis: 0800 33 4 55 00