Diocesan Safeguarding Policy Statement
"For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." (Jeremiah 29.11)
In accordance with the Church of England’s Safeguarding Policy, the Diocese in Europe 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 Diocese in Europe will:
- Endeavour to create a safe and caring place for all.
- Support each local Safeguarding Officer to work with the incumbent and the Chaplaincy Council 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.
- Encourage each chaplaincy to arrange appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the chaplaincy.
- Advise each chaplaincy to display in church premises and on the chaplaincy 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.
- 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.
- Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, procedures and practices at least annually.