Safeguarding
Promoting a safer church
“We believe at Whitefriars that every person is made in the image of God so has value and worth. We also believe that the care and protection of all people is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of Whitefriars Church. ”
We are fully committed to:
Creating a safe, caring and nurturing place for all people – particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Listening to and taking seriously all those who disclose abuse.
Co-operating fully with any investigation.
Offering pastoral support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
Taking a ‘whole church’ approach to safeguarding whereby everyone has a role to play.
Having a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the Vicar and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
Passing all safeguarding matters always to our PSO.
Safely recruiting, training and supporting all those with any responsibility for children, young people and vulnerable adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
Ensuring that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children, young people and adults undertaken in the name of the Parish.
Displaying in all spaces we meet in and on our church website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
Taking steps to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises. This includes notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.
Caring for and monitoring any member of Whitefriars who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
Reviewing annually our Health and Safety Policy, Procedures and Risk Assessments.
Reviewing annually the implementation of our Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practice.
Each person in the staff team, the PCC and serving on a team in church agrees to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.
Our Safeguarding Team
The Parish Safeguarding Officer is the first person to speak to if you have any concerns about the welfare of a child or adult with vulnerability.
Tim Smith
Lead Pastor (Vicar)
Lynda King
Parish Safeguarding Officer
Children and Families Pastor
Emma Croxon
If you would rather speak to someone outside of Whitefriars, you can contact the Diocese of Peterborough Safeguarding Team directly on 01733 887040 or 01733 887039 (Mon-Fri, 8.30am-4.30pm). Guidance on contacting the team is also available on their website.
Local and National Services
Police – 101 or 999 in an emergency
Northamptonshire Children’s Trust– 0300 126 7000
North Northamptonshire Council Adult Safeguarding Team – 0300 126 3000
Action on Elder Abuse: 0808 808 8141 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm)
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (free 24 hour helpline)
Samaritans Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (free 24 hour helpline).
Childline: 0800 1111 (free 24 hour helpline) for children and young people in the UK. For those who are deaf or struggle to using a regular phone the textphone service is available on 0800 400 222.
NSPCC: Child protection helpline- 0808 800 5000 (free 24 hour helpline unless using a mobile)
Safe Spaces for survivors of Church-related abuse: 0300 303 1056
Safeguarding Policy
This is a general policy that provides procedures for promoting safeguarding, preventing abuse and protecting children, adults at risk, and staff. It includes clear procedures for taking appropriate action when safeguarding concerns are raised involving children and adults within the Church, or those who attend Church activities and events.