The church councils of both Kingsclere and Ashford Hill with Headley have adopted the Church of England Safeguarding Policies and Practice Guidance. Our church 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 who may pose a present risk to others.

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We will: 

• Create a safe and caring place for all.

• Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC 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 Parish 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 Manager (DSM) and statutory agencies immediately.

• Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.

• Following advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Manager, support and manage the safe involvement of 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 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 this church community will agree to abide by this policy; the Church of England safeguarding policies and practice guidance; and the procedures/guidelines established by this church.

 

From December 2024, please get in touch with Rev Pete at vicar@stmaryskingsclere.co.uk with any safeguarding queries until a new Parish Safeguarding Officer is appointed.  

 

Safeguarding Policies and Documents:

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Safeguarding Policy (Kingsclere)

Safeguarding Policy (Ashford Hill with Headley)

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Contact details for agencies offering support in relation to Safeguarding (link)

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Immediate Risk  - Please dial 999

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Registering a Concern 

Please call 01962 737317 or email - safeguarding@winchester.anglican.org​

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Out of Hours Service

If you need immediate advice or help:

• Monday to Friday 6 pm – 8 am

• On weekends

• On Bank Holidays

Hampshire: 0300 555 1373

Southampton: 02380 233344

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (Children): 01202 738256

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (Adults): 0300 123 9895 

Dorset (Children): 01305 221000

Dorset (Adult): 01305 221016

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For more information, please click the link to see the Safeguarding page on the Diocese of Winchester Website