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Safeguarding Policy
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Our Commitments

  • Promoting a safer environment and culture

  • Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults

  • Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation

  • Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse or other affected persons

  • Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns /allegations of abuse and other affected persons

  • Responding to those that may pose a present risk.

'The care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of the Church'

House of Bishops Safeguarding Policy for children, young people & adults

If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from a Safeguarding Adviser or if necessary report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Services or the Police without delay.

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Local Authority Social Services: 01926 414144

IF THERE IS IMMEDIATE RISK OR DANGER PLEASE CONTACT THE POLICE ON 999.

Helplines

  • NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

  • Childline: 0800 1111

  • Stop It Now: 0808 1000 900

  • NAPAC: 0808 801 0331

  • Samaritans: 116 123

  • Family Lives: 0808 800 2222

  • National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247

  • Men's Advice Line: 0808 8010 327

  • National Careline: 0800 0699 784

Local contacts available to speak to if you have any concerns:

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Kate: 07947 061 452

Kirsty: 07988 122 377​

E-mail: safe@rivervalechurches.co.uk

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Anna, Melanie and Brett

Diocesan Safeguarding Advisors

Tel: 01452 835516 (24 hours)

E-mail: safeguarding@glosdioc.org.uk

The RiverVale Churches
United Benefice of Quinton, Welford, Weston, Long Marston [and Meon Vale]

SAFEGUARDING POLICY
PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH

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The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meetings held on the:

St Peter’s Church, Welford on Avon: 18th May 2025
St Swithin’s Church, Quinton with Admington: 27th April 2025
St James Church, Long Marston: 19th May 2025
All Saints Church, Weston on Avon: 18th May 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.

 

Each Parish will: 

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  • 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.

The RiverVale Churches have appointed Kate Shilvock (Welford and Weston) and LINDA THOMAS (Quinton, Long Marston and Meon Vale) as the Parish Safeguarding Officers.

If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from a Safeguarding Adviser or if necessary report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Services or the Police without delay.​

Any questions or concerns please contact: safe@rivervalechurches.co.uk

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Version: 05/2025

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