Behaviour code for all members of the congregation
It reflects our desire to follow Jesus in all we do, reflecting his love to those who attend church. It follows our determination to ensure our church is a place where children, young people and vulnerable people can feel safe and reflects our unwavering commitment to safeguarding practices.
When talking with children/young people and vulnerable adults it is important to:
- Treat them with dignity and respect
- Ensure your own language, tone of voice, body language is respectful
- Beware of potential consequences of showing favouritism
- Always be in sight of another adult. Never be alone with a child that is not a member of your family
- Listen to what they say, make them feel they have your attention
- Respect young person/vulnerable adults right of personal privacy
- Be alert for signs of bullying or coercion
- Respond warmly to a child/young people who needs comfort, but make sure other adults are around. Touching is to happen with extreme caution and is best avoided. If necessary an arm around the shoulder, side on is much more appropriate than a frontal hug, which should be avoided
- If anyone disclose to you any form of concern/form of abuse (be it sexual, physical, emotional, financial or neglect) follow the procedures in "What to do" section (below)
- Don't offer or give lifts to childrren/young people without parent's consent and another adult in the car
- Don't touch a child/young person inappropriately
- Don't take photos/videos without parent's consent
- Don't engage on personal communication with children/young people via mobile, text message, email or social media
What to do if you become aware of a safeguarding concern or someone shares a safe guarding concern with you
When listening to the person sharing the concern, make sure you are listening, reasure the person you are taking them seriously. Let them know you will only share what they say to appropriate people, i.e. safeguarding officer/clergy, or social service if necessary. Don't question them but clarify any information they give you to make sure you have understood them correctly.
Write a report of what has been said or seen. Keep it as detailed and as factual as possible. If you are adding your own opinion then make that clear that is what you are doing. Try to make the circumstance and the scene of any conversation or action as clear as possible in your notes. Detail is key. Only note personal details of person who has been "abused" or potentially "abused" if they have told you their name/address during their conversation with you and with their consent. Sign and date report.
Give report to Safeguarding Officer ASAP.
Response: Keep "Victim" or person reporting incident, if appropriate, informed of any action taken i.e. who report was referred to.
The Safe Guarding Officer will pass the report onto Diocesan Safeguarding team at Church House if concern is serious or could develop to a serious situation.
PARISH SAFEGUARDING OFFICER: Carol Tester safeguardinghassocks@gmail.com (St Francis Church)
If you believe that the person you are concern about is at risk or imminent harm, this is an emergency and you should contact the police on 999 without delay.
If you need immediate advice about a worrying situation and you cannot contact the parish safeguarding officer for any reason:
The diocesan safeguarding team at Church House: Tel 01273 421021
West Sussex Child Protection: Tel 01403 229900 (out of hours 033 022 26664)
West Sussex Adult Protection: Use the online form or tel 01243 642121 (office and out of hours)
To report an urgent concern that requires a same day response call the adult social care out of hours manager on 033 022 27007
Domestic Abuse: Worth Services 0330 2228181 (7 days a week 0900-1700 hrs) and 07834 968539 (weekends)
Additional Information
All involved in running or assisting in running a church group or church activity for children/young people/vulnerable adults will need to be DBS checked and completed online safeguarding training. Any new group/activity need to be approved by incumbert and the PCC.
There is a more details Parish Safeguarding Policy pack which will be available in all the churches to read.