Introduction
IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS FOR A CHILD, YOUNG PERSON OR VULNERABLE ADULT, PLEASE CONTACT ONE OF OUR SAFEGUARDING TEAM BELOW
All people are precious in the sight of God. We have a responsibility to care for one another and to keep people safe from harm. This is a principle that is recognised both from the viewpoint of faith and also in the context of law. The churches of the North Westmorland Benefice are committed to Safeguarding everyone and ensuring that we are a community that prevents abuse in all its forms and takes care of those who are victims and survivors of abuse. We have policies and procedures in place which are designed to protect children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable.
The churches are committed to ensuring that all those working with children, young people or vulnerable adults:
- have undergone checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service
- have been safely recruited as appropriate
- are adequately trained and supervised
- understand and follow the Safeguarding Policy
Our Benefice, PCCs and congregations recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and commit themselves to:
- nurturing, protecting and safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults
- supporting parents and families
- exercising care in the appointment of those working with children, young people and vulnerable adults working by the principles of Safer Recruitment
- following statutory, denominational and specialist guidelines in working with children, young people and vulnerable adults
- seeking support for all those affected by abuse
- supporting and resourcing those who work with children and young people and provide regular supervision
- reviewing the Safeguarding Policies annually and amend as appropriate.
Policy
Our work with children and young people is carried out by the Benefice team of Stephen Tudway and Ruth Hutchings, with volunteers working under their supervision and management. For these purposes we have a Benefice Safeguarding Policy which includes all the provisions of the Church of England model policy but goes further in laying out how we will work in different contexts. In addition, each parish in the Benefice has adopted a Safeguarding Policy in substantially the terms of the Church of England's model safeguarding policy, of which an example can be viewed here. The parishes of the benefice which carry out DBS checks on trustees, employees or volunteers have adopted the Benefice Policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders.
The churches of the North Westmorland Benefice follow the Statement on Safeguarding by the House of Bishops, “Promoting a Safer Church”.
Our safeguarding team
As part of the commitment to Safeguarding, we have appointed Sarah Banks as our Benefice Safeguarding Officer (BSO) and Ruth Hutchings as Deputy BSO. Our parishes all have their own Parish Safeguarding Officer or have appointed Sarah Banks to that role.
Benefice Safeguarding Officer
Sarah Banks, 01931 712801, safeguarding@northwestmorland.church
Deputy Benefice Safeguarding Officer
Ruth Hutchings, ruth@northwestmorland.church
Priest-in-Charge
Stephen Tudway, 01931 719210, stephen@northwestmorland.church
Diocesan Safeguarding Officer
Joanna Van Lachterop, 07458 016884, safeguarding.adviser@carlislediocese.org.uk
Useful contacts
If you believe that a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires medical attention, call the emergency services on 999.
Concerns that an adult or child is being abused or is at risk of being harmed should be reported to the Local Authority, Westmorland & Furness Council:
If your concern relates to a child, call 0333 373 2724.
If your concern relates to an adult, call 0300 373 3301 during working hours, or 01228 526690 out of hours.
Other useful contacts include:
NSPCC 0808 800 5000
Childline 0800 1111
Family Lives 0808 800 2222 (24 hour helpline for parents)
Samaritans 116 123