Safeguarding
At HTS we work hard to maintain a safe environment for all. We are committed to implementing the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policies and good practice guidance. The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 25th November 2024.
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy 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 that may pose a present risk to others.
Please see the Promoting a Safer Church Policy Statement for the full policy and also the Parish Safeguarding Handbook for information on how the policy is applied.
The Parish will:
Create a safe and caring place for all.
Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) Ruth Brown to work with the incumbent Rev. Gary Kennaugh 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 Adviser (DSA) Sean Augustin (07704338885 or sean.augustin@chester.anglican.org) and statutory agencies immediately.
Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
Care for and monitor 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 health and safety policy, 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 and the guidelines established by this church.
This church appoints Ruth Brown as the Parish Safeguarding Officer.
If you have any concerns or enquiries regarding safeguarding, please contact our safeguarding officer.
Parish Safeguarding Officer: Ruth Brown
Email: safeguarding@hts.church
Phone: 07527 055 030
The Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be contacted at safeguarding@chester.anglican.org or on 01928 643442
Out of Hours Support
The Diocese of Chester partners with thirtyone:eight and you can access their Safeguarding Helpline if the Diocesan Safeguarding Team is unavailable. Thirtyone:eight can be contacted on 0303 003 1111.
This also includes any safeguarding queries outside of office hours on weekdays and weekends. An Information Sharing Agreement between the two organisations will allow the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser to receive a copy of the advice thirtyone:eight may offer the caller.
In the case of an emergency
If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Service.
Helplines
Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours).
Parent Line: 0808 800 2222
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours).
Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours).
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (freephone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)