Safeguarding
We believe that under God we have a responsibility to make the church the safest place it can be for children, young people and adults and to safeguard everyone entrusted to our care.
The Buxted and Hadlow Down Parochial Church Council (PCC) is committed to safeguarding children and adults, ensuring that workers and volunteers are selected with care, supported and trained. The parish is registered with Thirtyoneeight (formerly the Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service) for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and we follow Church of England guidelines for safer recruitment.
Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Janet Tourrel.
She can be contacted on 01825 830478 or at safeguarding@bhdchurches.co.uk
We take safeguarding very seriously in the parish of Buxted and Hadlow Down. Find out more about our policy, procedures and practices below.
- If you are a child and you need to talk to someone about things that are happening to you that you don’t like, please click on this link which takes you the Childline website, or telephone Childline on 0800 1111
https://www.childline.org.uk/
- If you are an adult and you need to access support about something that is happening to you, please click on this link to find out how you can do that. Scroll down to find links to various support organisations for you to contact.
https://safeguarding.chichester.anglican.org/Ihavebeenabused/
- If you need to contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, please click on this link.
https://safeguarding.chichester.anglican.org/contacttheteam/
- If you are concerned that you or someone else is being neglected or exploited:
If there is an immediate danger, call the police on 999.
Otherwise, report your concern to East Sussex County Council by clicking on this link, click on the option on the left that most describes the situation you are concerned about, and follow the advice and further links you find there. Please remember to contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team as well once you have contacted the statutory authorities.
https://safeguarding.chichester.anglican.org/whatdoidoif/
Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Janet Tourell – 01825 830478 or safeguarding@bhdchurches.co.uk
She will be happy to discuss with you our church policy and procedures for safeguarding children, young people or adults who may be at risk.
All those who volunteer to work with children, young people or adults at risk are required to complete Safeguarding Training at least every three years. The Church of England online training courses can be found at https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org
If you would like information about training or applying for or renewing a DBS check, please speak to the Rector or Parish Safeguarding Officer.
Diocese of Chichester Safeguarding website - information about training, advice on what to do in various safeguarding situations and to access to the 'Simple Quality Protects' tool.
https://safeguarding.chichester.anglican.org
Church of England Safeguarding website: https://www.churchofengland.org/more/safeguarding
Thirtyone:eight (formerly the Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service) https://thirtyoneeight.org
Thirtyone:eight helpline: 0303 003 11 11
Childline: https://www.childline.org.uk Childline helpline: 0800 1111
National Domestic Violence 24 hour helpline: http://www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk
Tel: 0808 2000 247
Samaritans: 116 123
Carers Direct National Helpline: 0300 123 1053
Abuse within a domestic context during Covid-19
Covid-19 means that people are having to stay in their homes for longer periods of time with household members and with fewer opportunities for contact and support from the 'outside world’. Sadly, this means that there is a heightened risk for both adults and children...
Responding to Safeguarding Allegations
Buxted and Hadlow Down Parish church, benefice recognise that in all matters that involve allegations that someone has, or may have, caused harm to another person, whether child or adult, the welfare of the alleged victim is paramount and is our primary concern. No other consideration, however legitimate or important, can outweigh this primary responsibility. (click the title for full text)
Good practice guide for church work with vulnerable adults
Active membership and inclusion These recommendations apply to all churches’ activities with adults who may be vulnerable – for instance, during worship on Sunday mornings, on outings, in groups and when visiting at home (click the title for full text)
Good Practice guide for those working with Children & Young People
This Code outlines the expectations of the Parish of Buxted & Hadlow Down for all those who work or volunteer with children. It reflects our desire to follow Jesus in all we do, reflecting his love to those we minister to. (click the title for full text)
E- Safety Policy
This policy should be read alongside the Parish of Buxted & Hadlow Down’s policies on Safeguarding, Whistleblowing, Anti-Bullying, and Reporting Concerns about a Child. (click the title for full text)
Expressing Concerns and ‘Whistleblowing’: Policy and Guidance
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility: given this, encouraging people to express concerns appropriately and in a timely fashion is an important aspect of a strong safeguarding culture. (click the title for full text)