Safeguarding Aide Memoire

The Parish of Beaulieu and Exbury and East Boldre is committed to the Safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within the our Church Community. In accordance with the Diocese of Winchester Safeguarding policies and practice and with the overarching Church of England National Safeguarding Policy and Practice guidelines. Within the Parish of Beaulieu and Exbury and East Boldre with Buckler’s Hard the appointed Parish Safeguarding Officer is:

Mrs Sophie Burton

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Signed

The Incumbent / Rector - Revd Catherine Cowie  & The Parish Safeguarding Representative - Sophie Burton

Dated and Effective from 25/09/2024.

For more information visit the Diocesan Website: https://www.winchester.anglican.org/safeguarding

RECOGNISE

The main forms of abuse are:

Physical: bruises, burns, cuts, bites, fractures, etc. which do not have an explanation.

Emotional: changes in mood or behaviour, withdrawn or clingy. Depression, aggression or extreme anxiety, nervousness, low self esteem.

Neglect: under nourishment, failure to grow, constant hunger, inadequate care, dirty, inappropriate clothing, unkempt.

Sexual: knowledge of adult sexual behaviour – words / drawing. Sexually provocative, sexual infections.

Discriminatory: racist, sexist, based on a person’s disability.

Spiritual: using faith, spirituality, trust, to manipulate and control people.

Financial: money, possessions disappearing, no money for essentials, jewellery, valuables missing.

Institutional: care home, etc.

Grooming: of individual, family, church.

We may become aware of abuse or concerns about someone’s behaviour in a number of ways.

  • A disclosure from a person who has or is experiencing abuse;
  • An allegation about someone’s conduct;
  • A concern about someone’s behaviour.

All must be taken seriously and acted on.

Child Protection

Adult at Risk of Abuse

Domestic Abuse

It is everyone’s responsibility to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults.

 

RESPOND

DO NOT:

Attempt to investigate yourself;

Discuss the case with anyone else;

Speak to the accused;

Ignore it.

 

WITH A PERSON MAKING A DISCLOSURE:

Never promise to keep a secret, or confidentiality. Tell them you may need to share this.

Assure them they are not to blame for what happened.

Reassure the person they have done the right thing by telling you.

React calmly, be aware of non-verbal messages and body language.

Listen, do not ask leading questions or investigate. Avoid making comments or judgements.

Tell them what you are going to do and that they will be told what is happening at each stage.

Refer as soon as possible to the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor.

Find support for yourself.

 

RECORD

Make full notes of what you are told – including names, the person making the disclosure/referral, and date and time.

Date and sign your notes.

Use the words the child/vulnerable adult used – do not ‘translate’ into proper names, etc. As far as possible use the exact words used in the disclosure.

If someone else is making an allegation or raising a concern you will need to include their contact details.

The original document should be kept safely and a copy forwarded to the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor. If you type up the notes keep a copy of the hand written notes.

What to record: (6WH)

Who was involved – names of key people;

what happened – facts not opinions;

where it happened;

when it happened – date and time;

why it happened;

whom it was referred to;

how it happened.

 

REFER

You are not expected to be an expert in these areas so refer on.

All Allegations and Disclosures must be referred to the Safeguarding Advisor.

If you believe the person is at immediate risk of harm when they leave you, make a referral directly to the appropriate agency – Police or Social Services.

All disclosures, allegations, concerns should be referred initially to the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, who will inform the bishops, archdeacons, deans, clergy, etc as appropriate.

No concern is too small – all disclosures, issues or concerns seen or that you are made aware of must be acted on as soon as possible.

Do not investigate yourself and never make assumptions.

Your Parish Safeguarding Rep is: Sophie Burton

 

CONTACTS

Diocesan Safeguarding Manager  

01962 737317 or 07921 865374, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Evening and weekends safeguarding advice available from Hampshire County Council (covers the whole of the Winchester Diocese) 0300 555 1373

In an emergency use the 999 emergency number. If you do you should contact the Safeguarding Manager as soon as possible.

List of National Help Lines

Stop It Now Helpline: 0808 1000 900

Childline: 0800 11 11 (free from mostphones and won’t show on phone bill)

Action On Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141

National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0800 2000 247

Mens Advice Line: 0808 801 0327

PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH

The Gospel speaks of welcome for all. Being faithful to this compels us to take with the utmost seriousness the challenge of preventing abuse from happening and responding well where it has.

For information, guidance & resources, please visit www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding. Further information is displayed on the notice boards in the Church porch.

Rector:  Rev Catherine Cowie

Parish Safeguarding Officer: Sophie B.  Email:  safeguardingbeaulieubenefice@gmail.com .

Diocesan Safeguarding Officer: Jackie R 01962 737317.