Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding of Adults and Children:

This statement was adopted by Macclesfield St. Paul Parish (1510) at a Parochial Church Council (PCC) Meeting held on 12 April 2021.

See – safeguarding-21 – for signed copy.

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, PCC and Wardens 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, 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 annually the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices.

Each person who works within St Paul’s community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

Safeguarding Officer: Ann Harris

Churchwardens: Nick Mottershead, Matthew Cooper

Incumbent: Rev Canon Vivien Gisby

If you or anyone you are in contact with would like to talk with someone independently, please call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 or email safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk

Alternatively, you may contact the Acting Diocesan Safeguarding Officer in the Diocese of Chester, Sean Augustin.
Contact Number 07704 338885 (during office hours).
E-mail Diocesan Safeguarding