Safeguarding
Our appointed Safeguarding Officer is Frances Talbot, who can be contacted on 07526779696 or by emailing Safeguarding_Co-ordinator@lavantchurches.net
The Diocese of Chichester Safeguarding Advisor is Colin Perkins who can be contacted via 01273 425792 / 07500 771210
colin.perkins@chichester.anglican.org
Further contact details for the Diocese of Chichester safeguarding team can be found here.
Lavant Churches PCC has adopted the House of Bishop’s Promoting a Safer Church; Safeguarding Policy Statement. Futhermore, we follow the guidance issued by the Diocese of Chichester to provide a safe environment for young people and vulnerable adults. To achieve this we do the following:
Leaders of the various activities organised by church (Toddler Group, Junior Church, Messy Church and Youth Group) are DBS checked.
All adults who help with any of the above activities receive training using the Church of England’s safeguarding modules. The training covers the Basic Awareness (formerly C0) and Foundation (formerly C1) levels.
The main leader of Junior Church, Messy Church and Youth Group and the Parish Safeguarding Officer also complete Leadership safeguarding training (formerly C2).
Those who regularly visit vulnerable adults receive at least Basic Awareness training
Basic Awareness training is available for anyone in the church community who wishes to be better informed of how to support young people and vulnerable adults, to know what to be aware of and to know what to do where there are concerns.
Our policy regarding the recruitment of volunteers to work with children or vulnerable adults requires us to have known the prospective volunteer for at least six months (or to have received suitable references) and gives provision for us to request references if we think that would be desirable.
The Rector is DBS checked and receives Basic Awareness, Foundation and Leadership training.
The highest level of training held by an individual must be renewed every three years.
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. If you have a concern then speak with our Safeguarding Officer or visit the what to do if? page of the Diocese of Chichester safeguarding website.
You can also access advice from agencies external to the church here.