Safeguarding in the parish of St. Botolph’s and St. Mark’s
The clergy, lay preachers and all PCC members are committed to the safeguarding of all children, young people and adults, especially those with special needs. We follow the House of Bishops’ guidance and policies. All in this church team must have the required, up-to-date DBS checks and certificates for having undertaken training, and these are monitored by our Parish Safeguarding Officer, Gill Graves. All church members have a duty to contact the Safeguarding Officer should any issue arise, however small.
There is always a Safeguarding Board displayed in the churches on which there is vital information e.g. photographs of the Safeguarding Team and contact numbers. This information must be updated regularly by the Safeguarding Officer. The Rochester Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) and his team advise the Safeguarding Officer if an issue arises.
Safeguarding covers a wide range of abuse and a policy on Filming and Photography has recently been written. Posters have been put up to inform all visitors to the church. Safeguarding all in the church is an ongoing concern. There are also contact numbers on the back of toilet doors to help those who may need them.
All information from any of the congregation or visitors is treated with compassion and is in confidence.Next steps will be considered carefully and in accordance with the C of E policy.
Each outside group who hires the church hall must have their own Safeguarding Policy. Church groups are guided by the C of E policy and that of our own churches.
For help or advice
· Contact Jill Graves the Parish Safeguarding Officer on 01322 382897
· Contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers on 01634 560000 or email dsasafeguarding@rochester.anglican.org
· Reporting abuse can be hard. Help and support can be found on the Rochester Diocesan website: https://rochester.anglican.org/safeguarding. This support could help those who have been abused or are being abused now, as well as those who are concerned about what another person has experienced.
· Of course, in a case of urgency, contact the local Social Services department, or the Police.
Gill Graves - Safeguarding Officer
Updated September 2023