7.2 What to do if you have concerns
If you are concerned about a child or vulnerable adult or you are concerned that a church officer may be abusing a child or adult.
A “church officer” is anyone appointed/elected by or on behalf of the Church to a post or role, whether they are ordained or lay, paid or unpaid; for example, a priest, churchwarden, bell ringer, organist or youth group leader.
A “respondent” is the person about whom a safeguarding concern or allegation has been made.
If you have a concern that a child or vulnerable adult is or may be being abused, or that a church officer is or may be abusing a child or vulnerable adult, or are concerned that a church officer’s behaviour is not in line with safer working practices:
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Respond well to the victim/survivor, if it is a direct disclosure, to ensure they feel listened to and taken seriously. Explain what will happen next and check out support requirements. They should be informed that their identity and the identity of the respondent will be shared with key church officers (see the Quick Guide in Section 7.1.) and may be shared with the police and relevant local child/adult services if there is any current risk to children or adults. The concern or allegation should not be shared with anyone other than those who need to know; e.g. the police, local child/adult services and appropriate church officers (see Section 7.3.).
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EMERGENCY: Accessing immediate support from the local emergency services as safely and quickly as possible for an individual in a life-threatening or emergency situation is essential. In circumstances where you are unsure about how to refer an allegation, the Head of Safeguarding or incumbent (if outside Diocesan Safeguarding Team office hours and if the allegation is not referring to them) should be consulted as soon as practicably possible.
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NON-EMERGENCY: Contact the local Safeguarding Officer, incumbent (if the allegation is not referring to them) or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, in the first instance. If you have contacted your local Safeguarding Officer or incumbent, they must then contact the Head of Safeguarding. If the concern arises within an activity, discuss it with the group/activity leader, who will contact the local Safeguarding Officer or incumbent. If concerns arise outside of normal office hours (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm UK time), contact the Diocesan out-of-hours service.
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Any safeguarding concerns must be reported to the Head of Safeguarding within 24 hours. If concerns arise outside of normal office hours (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm UK time), contact the Diocesan out-of-hours service.
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Do not contact the respondent or anyone who may be implicated in the allegation or disclosure, even if they would normally be contacted as part of the procedure until advice has been sought from the DSA or relevant local child/adult services.
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Record the details of the concern or allegation. Where it is not appropriate to take notes at the time (usually it will not be), make a written record as soon as possible afterwards or before the end of the day. Record the time, date, location, persons present and how the concern or allegation was received, e.g. by telephone, face-to-face conversation, letter, etc. The record should include details of information provided to that person as well as the information received. Always sign and date the record. Keep it factual. Pass on a copy to the DSA (and/or the local Safeguarding Officer/incumbent). The records should be kept secure and confidential (please see Model Safeguarding Concern Record).
If the concern is about a child or vulnerable adult:
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The DSA will act in line with the House of Bishops’ guidance. They will offer advice, support and guidance and help to make the required referrals.
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There should be close communication between the DSA and the local Safeguarding Officer/incumbent until the situation is resolved. The archdeacon should also be informed.
If the concern is about a Church Officer:
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The DSA will act in line with the House of Bishops’ guidance. They will offer advice, support and guidance. The DSA will now take over the management of the safeguarding concern in conjunction with the core group (which will be convened within 48 hours or as soon as practicably possible) and, where required, the police and local child/adult services. There may also be a requirement for chaplaincy representatives to attend a subsequent core group(s). If there are doubts about whether or not to make a referral and under what route, the DSA will seek advice from the relevant authorities.
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Please note that the procedure is the same for non-recent abuse.
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See Section 3 and Section 4 for information on types of abuse and Section 11 for information about Safer Working Practices.
A proper balance must be struck between protecting children and vulnerable adults and respecting the rights of the person against whom an allegation is made. In such circumstances the welfare of the child, young person or vulnerable adult must come first. The rights of the person against whom the allegation is made are important and must be given due weight, once the immediate safety and protection of the child, young person or vulnerable adult has been assured.