Safeguarding

At St Thomas' we have adopted The House of Bishops’ ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ policy. This means we follow the Church of England’s:

1. Parish Safeguarding Handbook

2. Safer Environment and Activities

3. Code of Safer Working Practice

All 3 of can be downloaded from the Church of England’s Policy and Practice Guidance page.

Alongside this we have in-house guidelines at St Thomas' Local Safeguarding Practices which affirm our 'Safeguarding Policy Statement Promoting a Safer Church'.

We have also adopted the Church of England's National Policy Statement on the Recruitment of ex-Offenders.

Our safeguarding training adheres to a national standard and can be delivered by diocesan officials, or by our safeguarding advisors, both in-person or online.

Everyone at St Thomas’ who works/volunteers with children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable will have completed the Basic Awareness and Foundational Level courses (formerly C0 and C1) as provided by the Church of England .

Contact the Church Office or Mary-Jayne Carter for more information.

Everyone working with children or young people, whether in a paid or voluntary position, must have a:

• Current Enhanced Disclosure with Barred List check for children;

• Completed St Thomas' Self Declaration Form;

• Completed St Thomas’ Reference Request form;

• Basic Awareness and Foundation Level training certificate;

• Acceptance of the current Safeguarding Policy (see above);

• Approval of one of the Childrens’ & Families or Youth Staff Team.

Everyone volunteering at St Thomas' to help on any team that serves adults must:

• Complete the Volunteer Application Form;

• Have completed Basic Awareness training;

• Receive a Role Description for each role they have;

• Be aware of the current Safeguarding Policy (see above)

Some volunteers, dependant on the role, will need references and to complete Foundation Level training. These volunteers will need to complete a Reference Request Form.

Some volunteers, dependant on the role, will need a current DBS certificate, and to complete a St Thomas' Self Declaration Form.

We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the Parish or Safeguarding Team.

Below is a list of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:

• NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.

• Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.

• National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.

• Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.

• Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).