Safeguarding Policy & Practice Guidance

Under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 all authorised clergy, bishops, archdeacons, licensed readers and lay workers, churchwardens and PCCs must have ‘due regard’ to safeguarding guidance issued by the House of Bishops (this will include both policy and practice guidance).

Due regard means that the person that is under duty is not free to disregard but is required to follow, unless there are clear, convincing and logical reasons for not doing so. Any clergy found not to have complied with their obligations under the 2016 measure may face disciplinary action against them.

Please click on the below link in order to be taken to the Diocese of Ely’s Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance. This page will give guidance on Policy Statements, Practice Guidance, Joint Practice with the Methodist Church, Ely Diocesan Policies and theological texts.

http://www.elydiocese.org/safeguarding/policy-and-practice-guidance

Child Protection

Wiggenhall St Mary Magdalene Church are committed to safeguarding children. Those that wish to work with children will have to hold a current DBS (formerly known as CRB). If you require assistance with this, please contact our Safeguarding Officer, Chris Hale on 01553 810385.

Child abuse.

What is it?

Section 47 of the Children’s Act 1989 refers to a child suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. Suffering from significant harm means that child abuse is happening in the here or now. Likely to suffer significant harm means that it is very likely in the immediate future that a child will come to harm.

Please note that a child is defined in law as a person being aged under 18.

Adult Protection & Domestic Abuse

Wiggenhall St Mary Magdalene Church are committed to protecting Adults at risk.

Adult abuse does not just effect the elderly; adult abuse effects anyone over the age of 18. Adult abuse is often largely unreported. Adult abuse can consist of domestic abuse, slavery, human trafficking, fraud or theft to name bar a few.

Whilst every person has a fundamental right to confidentiality in regards to their private lives, this is not an absolute right if certain criteria are met which denotes information should be shared. Assurances as to the confidentiality of the information should never be made.

If a crime has or is thought likely to be committed, the information should be shared. This is for a lawful purpose – to prevent and hopefully stop any further crime(s) taking place. Sometimes this is also referred to as safeguarding.

If a person is likely to put themselves or others at risk i.e. children again the information should be shared.