The Parochial Church Council of All Saints, Cleadon is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for everyone, especially for children, young people and vulnerable adults. It has adopted and approved the Church of England policy for promoting a safer church. This policy deals with all aspects of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

To discuss any safeguarding concerns relating to All Saints, Cleadon please contact either

• the Parish Safeguarding Officer, Deborah Wood, on 07760102291.
• the Parish Priest, the Rev’d Vernon Cuthbert, on (0191) 536 7147, vicar@cleadonallsaints.org.

Concerns can also be raised with the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, Mrs Beth Miller – she can be contacted as follows:

Address: Cuthbert House, Stonebridge, Durham DH1 3RY

Email: beth@bethmillerisw.co.uk or beth.miller@durham.anglican.org

Mobile: 07968 034075

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 in a paid or unpaid capacity within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

Promoting a Safer Church is the overriding document that determines our policy.