Safeguarding
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The Children’s Ministry Team and Parish Visitors TeamBoth these teams have regular meetings at which current practice is discussed, along with future planning and any safeguarding updates. Risk Assessment ReviewsAll Risk Assessments for church-led activities involving children were reviewed and updated in March 2019. The CSO and Derek, with input from Parish Visitors, have drawn up a Risk Assessment for Parish Visitors. Risk Assessments for one-off church events are being produced, including event-specific RAs for the exciting activities organised for young people in the parish by Dani Robertson, our Children and Families Worker. Photo Permissions PolicyA new Under 18's Photo Permissions Policy and Procedure, with a revised consent form, has been approved by the PCC. The Policy and Procedure Statement explains clearly how photographs are taken and used by the church. It is displayed on the church website and in the office. The new consent form is designed to be clear and unambiguous and is sent to all parents of under 18s involved in church related activities for signing, so that the office records can be checked and updated. Disclosure and Barring (DBS) checks and online trainingNick Bagge has been trained as a Lead Recruiter, in addition to his role as Evidence Checker, and is now informed directly of the outcomes of DBS applications. The office system for processing DBS applications for PCC members, new employees and volunteers working with young people and vulnerable adults is working very well, with applications processed more speedily than in the past. In January 2019 the London Diocesan Safeguarding Team switched from the e-learning course provided by the Diocese of Chelmsford to courses provided by the National Church. Nick has details of the links to the new courses, which should be completed by all PCC members and volunteers working with children and adults at risk who have not yet completed online training. Safe RecruitmentTwo new appointments have been made in the period since the last APCM, both following the safe recruitment process established in 2018. Dani Robertson is our new Children and Families Worker and Thom Stanbury was appointed to the role of Organist and Choirmaster in February 2019. Safeguarding Self-AuditThe annual Parish Safeguarding Self-Audit was carried out in March. It is encouraging to note that although there will always be a need for a robust Action Plan, there has been very significant progress in addressing outstanding safeguarding issues in the parish. Find out moreUnder 18's Safeguarding ContactsSt James's Safeguarding Officer: Jane Newman 020 8979 6154 (the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult) Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers: 020 7932 1224 Richmond Council: Safeguarding and Adult Abuse Family Lives: 0808 800 222 (Previously Parentline) |
