PCC SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT
ST GEORGE’S LEEDS

Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things, this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

The Diocese of Leeds and all parishes within it adopt Church of England polices and practice guidance relating to safeguarding.

We will endeavour to safeguard children, young people and adults by:

  • Ensuring the care, nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and adults.

  • Carefully selecting and training all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with safer recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes.

  • Supporting, resourcing, training and regularly reviewing those who undertake work with children, young people and adults.

  • Establishing safe, caring communities which provide an environment where there is a culture of‘informed vigilance’ as to the dangers of abuse.

  • Recognising that it is the responsibility of each of us to prevent the physical, emotional, sexual, financial and spiritual abuse of children, young people and adults, and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.

  • Responding without delay to every complaint made which suggests that a child, young person or adult may have been harmed, co-operating with the police and local authority in any investigation.

  • Seeking to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with him or her an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.

  • Committing ourselves to promoting safe practice by those in positions of trust.

  • Challenging any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.

  • Offering pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or adult.

The PCC of this Church agreed and adopted the above Policy at its meeting on 9 July 2018. A full copy of National Policy and practice can be found here.

SAFEGUARDING TEAM

We have appointed Pauline Rhodes, Janet Cook and Di Gilson as the Parish Safeguarding Officers.

Our Parish Safeguarding Officers are the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or adult with vulnerability.

SAFEGUARDING LINKS

Parish Safeguarding Officers
Pauline Rhodes (Adult Safeguarding Officer)
Safeguarding@stgs.org.uk

Janet Cook (Children’s Safeguarding Officer)
Safeguarding@stgs.org.uk

Di Gilson (Holy Trinity Boar Lane)
Safeguarding@stgs.org.uk

If you would prefer to speak with someone outside the church

Leeds Diocesan Safeguarding Officers:
Juliette Mclellan (Head of Safeguarding), Jenny Leccardi, Narinder Lyon, Siobhan McNamara, Sam McMorland, Carla Darbyshire (Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers)

leeds.anglican.org/safeguarding
0113 3530257

Local Authority Social Services
0113 222 4403