Policy for Safeguarding Children - 2021
 Parish of St Barnabas, Linslade in the Church of England Diocese of St Albans
There cannot be any meeting of the PCC at the current time due to Lockdown in the Coronavirus  Pandemic. This policy was circulated to members for approval by email and agreed in May 2021. It will be reviewed in May 2022.

• We are committed to implementing a safeguarding children policy and procedures,  complying with the duty under section 5 of the ‘Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016’  to have due regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. In addition the Parish will follow the Diocesan Procedures and recommended good practice and be responsive to local parish requirements.
• The abuse of children and young people can take many forms. They have the same right to protection regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Children and young people from minority ethnic groups and those with disabilities (physical, sensory and/or learning difficulties) are especially vulnerable and need special care and protection."
• We will review and endorse all safeguarding policies annually so that all members are aware of their responsibilities.
• The highest standards will be maintained in all the Church’s contacts with children and young people and adult volunteers will be given appropriate support and opportunities for training.
• All applicants for relevant posts (whether paid or voluntary) must satisfy the incumbent, church wardens and PCC that they are competent to carry out the post and complete a Confidential Declaration form and appointment is conditional upon enhanced level clearance by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
• We will respond without delay to every complaint made that a child or young person for whom we are responsible may have been harmed.  
• This Parish will co-operate fully with the statutory agencies in every situation and will not conduct its own investigations.
• We will seek to offer informed pastoral care to any child, young person or adult who has suffered abuse.
• We will care for and supervise any member of our church community known to have offended against a child.
• The PCC acknowledges its responsibility for all work with children and young people done in the name of the Church and requires all those engaged in such work to be properly appointed and supported in accordance with the Safer Recruitment Policy statement for the Church of England and Methodist Church 2015 and the Safer Recruitment Practice Guidance 2016 and Diocesan Procedures and guidelines.
• Ian Woodward has been designated  as Children’s Advocate 

We have appointed as our Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinator
   Ann Tracey       Tel. 01525 376015 mobile 07789 754569       email :  anntracey2@aol.com
Signed    Incumbent   .................................................................................
 
               Church Wardens  ..........................................................................................................