In accordance with Guideline 1 of the Home Office "Code of Practice" Safeguarding the Welfare of Children in Voluntary Organisations in England and Wales" (Safe from Harm) the parish has adopted the following statement of policy:

  
As the people of the Church of God we are concerned with the wholeness of each individual
within God's purpose for everyone. We seek: to safeguard all members of the church
community, of all ages. It is the responsibility of each one of us to prevent the physical,
sexual or emotional abuse of children and young people. 'The PCC and parish therefore
commit itself to providing a safe and creative environment for all its work with children and
young people. 

As Christians we recognise that God requires us to foster relationships of the uttermost
integrity, truthfulness and trustworthiness. Those who work for the church in either a paid
or voluntary capacity need to exercise the greatest care in their use of power. They must
avoid taking advantage of trust.

 
The highest standards will be maintained in all the church's contacts with children and
young people, and adult volunteers will be given appropriate support and opportunities for
training.

 
The intention of the Children Act 1989 that the welfare of the child is paramount is fully
accepted.

 
The exploitation of any relationship will not be tolerated, and allegations of child abuse will
be taken seriously.

 
This parish will co-operate fully with the statutory agencies in every situation and will not
conduct its own investigations.

 
This parish will seek to implement all the guidelines in the Home Office Code of Practice,
Safe from Harm.

The Parochial Church Council of this parish acknowledges its responsibility for all work
with children and young people done in the name of the church and also requires all those
engaged in such work to be properly appointed and supported in accordance with current
good practice and guidelines issued by the Diocese of Canterbury.

 

Approved by the Parochial Church Council 18th September 2008