Safeguarding
Safeguarding at St James’ Church Haslingden
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 our Church.
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.
Promoting a Safer Church
As a church we have adopted the House of Bishops ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ policy and the Parish Safeguarding Handbook, incorporating the House of Bishop’s Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.
Our PCC has formally adopted this and signed the Safeguarding Policy Statement Promoting a Safer Church.
Details of our parish safeguarding officer can be found in the attached ‘Safeguarding in our Parish – who’s who.’
We have also displayed the Promoting a Safer Church poster prominently within our church.
All those working with children and adults at risk have undergone safer recruitment, received safeguarding training and support.
Reporting a concern
Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your local Parish Safeguarding Officer(s) (PSO) in the first instance, who can seek further advice from Catherine Smith, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA), as necessary.
Safeguarding concerns in a school/university/prison/healthcare setting should be raised with the relevant organisation’s Safeguarding team. If the concern involves one of our chaplains, please also contact Catherine Smith direct.
Catherine’s contact details are:
Mobile :07711485170
Email:catherine.smith@blackburn.anglican.org
Address: Diocese Offices, Clayton House, Walker Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2Q
Links to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be found here:
https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/diocesan-safeguarding-team
https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/reporting-a-safeguarding-concern
Finding support
We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. Below is a list of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).
Local contacts available to speak to if you have any concerns:
The Incumbent
Fr David Stephenson
frdavidstephenson@gmail.com
07539 264279
The Churchwardens
Kaye Ridings 01706 216398
Miriam Taylor 07802 513827
Gary Taylor 07546 145357
The Parish Safeguarding Officers
Ann Burton 01706 227137
Kaye Ridings 01706 216398
Adrienne Taylor 01706 214973
Associate Clergy
Rev’d Judith Balkwell 01706 223652
Rev’d David Allsop 01706 224663
Employed staff
Adrian Van Der Schans – organist
Who co-ordinates work in church related to children, young people, adults at risk?
Rev’d Judith Balkwell 01706 223652
Fr David Stephenson 07539 264279
Who are the other youth and children’s/adults at risk’ workers?
Marjorie Charnley 01254 233608
Emily Westlake 01254 485227
Who will you talk to if you observe or are told about Safeguarding concerns?
Ann Burton (PSO) 01706 227137
Kaye Ridings (PSO) 01706 216398
Adrienne Taylor (PSO) 01706 214973
Catherine Smith (DSO) 01254 503070
For more information visit www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding