Parish of St Peter, Belsize Park
Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. This implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.
• We accept and endorse the principles set out in ‘Safeguarding in the Diocese of London’.
• We commit ourselves to nurture, protect and safeguard all our members, particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults.
• We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church community.
• We undertake to exercise proper care in the selection, appointment, training and support of those working in both paid and voluntary positions with children or vulnerable adults, including the use of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosures and making appropriate referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
• We will respond without delay to concerns or allegations that a child or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and social care services in any investigation.
• We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.
• We will seek to offer pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them appropriate pastoral support.
• We will seek 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 vulnerable adult.
The PCC of this Church agreed and adopted the above Policy at its meeting on 18th June 2024
We have appointed CECILE GOORNEY as our Church Safeguarding Officer (CSO).
Copies of “Safeguarding in the Diocese of London” and any parish guidelines and procedures are held by
Cecile Goorney (phone 07718 066652; email cecile.goorney1@btintenet.com)
The PCC shall review this policy annually. The next review will take place at the first PCC meeting
following the APCM to be held in April 2025
Curate in Charge (Revd.) Alaric Dunsmore-Rouse; Churchwardens Kenneth Robbie and Mendi Wingfield.
Useful contacts:
• CCPAS (Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service) 0845 120 4550
• Child Line 0800 1111
• NSPCC 0808 800 5000 (24hrs)
Camden Council Services:
• 020 7974 4000 (Social Care Services Call Centre)
• 020 7974 3317 (Children social care)