Safeguarding
In the first instance please click here for the Church of England's work on Promoting a Safer Church and here for Diocesan Safeguarding Contacts. Guernsey is part of the Diocese of Salisbury.
We take seriously our responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults entrusted to our care and have a Safeguarding Officer and Safeguarding Policy that we work to.
- We aim to provide a safe and caring environment for all we come into contact with particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults.
- We are committed to the implementation of the Parish Safeguarding Handbook Policy and the relevant statutory legislation and guidance for the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
- We will ensure that all those who are authorised to work with vulnerable groups are appointed according to diocesan safer recruitment guidelines. We will exercise proper care in selection, appointment, training and support including the use of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
- We will respond without delay to concerns or allegations that a child or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and social services in any investigation.
- We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in authority.
- We will have internal processes in place to support proper reporting of concerns, and ensure that staff and volunteers are aware of what to do if they have a concern.
- We will seek to offer pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them appropriate pastoral support.
- We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church.
Our Safeguarding Officer, Teresa Holden (07781 414533) is the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or adult with vulnerability.
Please click here for contact information for the Church Wardens.
Salisbury Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers
In ensuring high standards of practice in safeguarding, we are supported by the Diocese of Salisbury's safeguarding team, who work closely with the Guernsey Police and specialist staff of the States of Guernsey Committee for Health and Social Care.
The Safeguarding Advisers are qualified and experienced social care practitioners who can provide advice and guidance to parishes and others in the diocese on child and adult protection. They can offer advice, discuss any protection matters and clarify anything in the National Guidelines. They are always ready to work with you to plan a detailed response to any protection issue, taking into account all aspects of your particular situation. Please do not hesitate to contact them; they are always very ready to help.
Jem Carter has lead responsibility for the Deanery of Guernsey and will have general oversight on all matters relating to the Island. In his absence you should speak to Suzy Futcher, who will have full access to relevant safeguarding records and will also provide advice in line with the handbook about any safeguarding incident or query.
Jem Carter works Tuesday - Friday inclusive, either from Church House, Salisbury or from home. Jem can be contacted by email on jem.carter@salisbury.anglican.org. He is also available via mobile phone on 07469 857888. An online discussion can be arranged if necessary.
Suzy Futcher works Monday - Thursday inclusive, either from home or Church House, Salisbury. Heather can be emailed on suzy.futcher@salisbury.anglican.org or contacted via mobile phone on 07500 664800. Again, an online meeting can be arranged if needed.
ON CALL SERVICE
The Diocese of Salisbury also provide a limited ‘on call’ DSA service from Monday – Thursday inclusive, until 9 pm. After 9 pm, it is likely that any situation will be an emergency one, in which case the Police should be contacted. Call provision is shared between Suzy and Jem as below:
Monday and Tuesday evenings - Suzy Futcher
Wednesday and Thursday evenings - Jem Carter
WEEKEND COVER
After 5 pm on a Friday, an external provider ‘thirtyone:eight’ is contracted to provide an out of hours safeguarding service until 9 am the following Monday. They should be contacted in respect of any concerns over this period via their 24/7 helpline – tel 0303 0031111. They will provide initial advice and direction and send an alert to the DSAs, for their attention and follow up action when they return to work after the weekend. Further information regarding ‘thirtyone:eight’ can be found on their website which also contains a wealth of generic advice on safeguarding issues.
DIOCESE OF SALISBURY CONTACT DETAILS
Tel: 01722 411922
Church House
99 Crane St
Salisbury
SP1 2QB
www.salisbury.anglican.org
Further Information
More information about the Church of England's commitment to safeguarding can be found here.
For information about the Guernsey Police Public Protection Unit, click here.
If you are concerned about a child in Guernsey or Alderney, contact the Islands Safeguarding Children Partnership.