Safeguarding Policy
The church believes that every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of humans in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.
The Church of England Birmingham is committed to keeping children and vulnerable adults, safe from harm.
If you have any concerns about a child, a young person, an adult who may be vulnerable or someone who works for or volunteers for the DBF please contact:
Diocesan Safeguarding Officer – Neil Spiring neil.spiring@lichfield.anglican.org
We are committed to the safeguarding principles adopted by the House of Bishops and all staff must join in with this commitment:
Principles
We are committed to:
The care, nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children and all adults
- The safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable
- The establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is a culture of ‘informed vigilance’ as to the dangers of abuse.
- The careful selection and training of all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with current safer recruitment principles and legislation
- Responding without delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed, co-operating with the police and local authority in any investigation.
- Seeking to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with him or her an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.
- Seeking to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or adult when they are vulnerable.
Our full safeguarding policies can be accessed on the Diocese of Lichfield website here.
Safer Recruitment
Lichfield Diocese follows the Safer Recruitment policy of the Church of England. It is the policy of the Church of England that all those who work (paid or on a voluntary basis) regularly with children and/or adults who may be vulnerable should have, where appropriate, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (with or without a check of the barred list, as appropriate). Some roles require an enhanced DBS with check of the barred lists and leadership and specialist training. You will be notified when this needs to be undertaken and non-completion will be subject to our disciplinary processes.