Safeguarding

SAFEGUARDING

The parish is absolutely committed to safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults, so the PCC subscribes to all Diocesan Safeguarding requirements and policies. Our staff and volunteers are appropriately trained and DBS checked where required. Our policies are implemented throughout the year, and reviewed and reaffirmed annually by the PCC. Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility.

SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT - PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH
The Parish of St Mary the Virgin, Old Town, Eastbourne

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 17 June 2025

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 within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

Blue line drawing of St. Mary the Virgin church with text overlay reading "St Mary the Virgin" and "Eastbourne Parish".

A black-and-white close-up photo of a smiling middle-aged woman with shoulder-length hair, wearing earrings and a patterned top, in an indoor setting.

This church appoints
Elaine Beynon
as the
Parish Safeguarding Officer
Telephone: 07595 302 379
stmarysebsafeguarding@outlook.com

Promoting a safer church message on a blue background with white and yellow text about care and protection of children, young people, and adults involved in church activities, emphasizing shared responsibility.

If you have any safeguarding concerns or would like more information about our safeguarding practice at St Mary’s please contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer.

For further safeguarding guidance and contact details of the Chichester Diocese Safeguarding Team please follow the link:

https://safeguarding.chichester.anglican.org