Statement of Safeguarding Principles

At Polesworth Abbey we are committed to:

• The care, nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and all adults
• The safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and all adults
• The establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where victims of abuse can report or disclose abuse and where they can find support and best practice that contributes to the prevention of abuse.

To this end:

• We will carefully select, support and train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with the principles of Safer Recruitment. We will respond without delay to every complaint made, that any adult, child or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation.
• We will seek to offer informed pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry that recognises the importance of understanding the needs of those who have been abused, including their feelings of alienation and / or isolation.
• We will seek to protect survivors of abuse from the possibility of further harm and abuse.
• We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of respect and responsibility, where they are trusted by others.
• We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision, and referral to the appropriate authorities, to any member of our Church community known to have offended against a child, young person or adult who is vulnerable.

In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice. Clergy, church officials, members of the congregation or public who suspect or who receive allegations of child abuse MUST report the matter immediately.

Polesworth Abbey contacts for Safeguarding Issues

Paul Avard
Parish Safeguarding Officer
07795 190 497

Fr Philip
Birmingham Diocese
01827 892340

Steph Haynes
Bishop's Safeguarding Adviser
07342 993 844
[email protected]

Other safeguarding contacts

Childline	0800 1111
Family Lives Helpline	08088 002222
Samaritans	116 123
Elder Abuse	08088 088141
Domestic Violence Helpline	08082 000247
Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline	08088 010327
LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline	03009 995428
National Association of People Abused in Childhood	08000 853330
Stop in Now! Helpline	08081 000900

Click on the links to download the full current version of our Safeguarding Policy, Domestic Abuse Policy, and Recruitment of Offenders Policy

Safeguarding Policy

Domestic Abuse Policy

Ex-offenders Recruitment Policy