It is our intent that all Church services and activities are safe places for all children and adults.
If you have any concerns about Safeguarding issues relating to children, young people or vulnerable adults please contact our Benefice Safeguarding Officer (formerly Safeguarding Nominated Person) – Linda Blagg on 01594 822153 or via [email protected]
If you would like to speak to our Vicar about any Safeguarding issues, please contact Mike Barnsley on 01594 822286 or via [email protected]
If you would to speak to one of our Diocesan Safeguarding Officers, please visit the Gloucester Diocese Safeguarding website for contact details.
Safeguarding Policy
The Benefice consists of the Parish Churches of St Ethelbert’s, Littledean; St John’s, Cinderford and St Stephen’s, Cinderford.
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our churches 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 Benefice will:
- Create safe and caring places for all.
- Have a named Benefice Safeguarding Officer (BSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCCs 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 Benefice 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 these church communities will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by these churches.
The Benefice appoints Linda Blagg as the Benefice Safeguarding Officer.
Incumbent: M. J. Barnsley
Updated 2024