As members of this PCC we are committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of all our members. We recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We are committed to implementing all safeguarding policies and practice guidance issued by the House of Bishops. We will carefully select and train all those who work or volunteer in positions of trust. We will use the Disclosure and Barring Service, amongst other tools, to check the background of each person.
We will respond, without delay, to every concern made that a person for whom we are responsible may have been harmed. We will co-operate fully with statutory agencies during any investigation concerning a member of the church community. We will seek to ensure that anyone for whom we have pastoral responsibility who has suffered abuse is offered support that meets their needs.
We will respond appropriately to those who have committed sexual offences who wish to join our fellowship, following House of Bishops’ guidance and the advice of the Safeguarding Team.
We will review this policy annually and as part of this process will ensure that all our procedures, particularly in relation to the Disclosure and Barring Service, are up to date.
Church officcers:
The Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor is Colin Perkins, who can be contacted on 01273 425792 or 07500 771210 colin.perkins@chichester.anglican.org
Concerned about a vulnerable adult
In an emergency call 999
If you are worried about a vulnerable adult, please contact Adult Social Care and Health at East Sussex Council anytime 0345 6080191
Their address is:
Health and Social Care Connect (formerly Social Care Direct) St Mary’s House, 52 St Leonard’s Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3UU
East Sussex web site is ESCC
Concerned about a child or children
In an emergency call 999
East Sussex protection service call 01323 464222
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm, Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm
Out of hours: 01273 335906 or 01273 335905
Parents and children should be aware of the following resources:
Childline: https://www.childline.org.uk/ (or call 0800 1111)
Kidscape (for help with bullying): https://www.kidscape.org.uk/
For Me, the Childline app, is available from www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/for-me/