Safeguarding – for contacts follow this link – in an emergency ring 999

We take the issue Child and Adult safeguarding seriously. We have adopted the Church of England’s House of Bishops’ ‘Promoting a Safer Church; safeguarding policy’ as our policy. A full copy of that policy is available at the back of each of the churches to view.

What to do if you have a concern that a child or adult is or may be being abused, or that a church officer is or may be abusing a child or adult.

IN AN EMERGENCY: If you believe a child or adult is in immediate danger of significant or serious harm, contact the emergency services on 999.

In a Non- Emergency: Contact the Parish Safeguarding Officer or incumbent (details available locally on parish notice boards), in the first instance. If neither are available, or if they may be the source of the concern please contact the DSA directly contact the Bath and Wells Team. It is important when receiving a referral for us to have as much information as possible. As such the most effective way to report a concern is via www.bathandwells.org.uk/confidential-incidentconcern-form.php You will receive a response to a new urgent referral within 24 hours.

In the extremely unlikely situation that neither the PSO/incumbent or the DSA are not available within 24 hours, contact Children’s Social Care or Adult Social Care and/or the police directly, if the concern is that a child or adult is being abused. Contact the Local Authority Designated Officer and/or police if the concern is that a church officer may be abusing a child or adult. 

What will happen next?  The DSA will act in line with the House of Bishops’ guidance. They will offer advice, support and guidance and refer the concerns to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and/or police within 24 hours.

The DSA will take over the management of the safeguarding concern in conjunction with the statutory agencies.