Safeguarding

Parish Safeguarding

Joanna Hill, Newsletter EditorThe Church Safeguarding Officer is Mrs Joanna Hill (pictured). You can email Joanna to ask her anything, or call her on 01273 933 357, at any time.  If you email her, your email to her will also be seen by the Vice Chair of our Parochial Church Council, Helen Turner, who will respond to you if Joanna happens to be away.

If you think there’s an imminent risk call the police  on 999 or the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) helpline on 0808 800 5000.

If you are a child and you need to talk to someone about things that are happening to you that you don’t like, you can get help via:

  • The Childline website or call Childline on 0800 1111.
  • National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC): 0808 800 5000.

If you are an adult and you need support about something that is happening to you, or wish to report a safeguarding concern to the statutory authorities in Sussex, please see the Diocese of Chichester’s safeguarding website’s Advice and Getting Help pages. Or call their team at Church House, Hove, on 01273 421 021 or email them.

Or contact:

  • Stop it Now (if you have concerns about yourself or someone else): 0808 1000 900
  • National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC): 0808 801 0331
  • The Samaritans (if you need someone to talk to): 116 123
  • Family Lives (parenting and family life worries): 0808 800 2222
  • National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
  • Action on Elder Abuse (abuse of older people): 0808 808 8141

We take the safeguarding of our children, young people and vulnerable adults very seriously. Safeguarding shows God’s love in action, and in our church it demonstrates safety and security where abuse and mistreatment of others is not tolerated.

Everyone involved in safeguarding positions undergoes Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and receives regular training and ongoing updates.

October 2025

Parish Safeguarding Policy

    The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting on 12 September 2025. In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:

    • Promoting a safer environment and culture.
    • Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
    • Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
    • Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
    • Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
    • Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.

    The Parish will:

    • Create a safe and caring place for all.
    • Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
    • Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
    • Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
    • Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
    • Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
    • Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.
    • Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
    • Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
    • Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
    • Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.

    Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

    This church appoints  Joanna Hill as the Parish Safeguarding Officer.
    Incumbent: Revd. Herbert Bennett, Associate Vicar

    September 2025

    Promoting a safer Church

    You can read and download Promoting a Safer Church a 7-page PDF  published by the Church of England’s House of Bishops in 2017.