The care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of the church.
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ Selby Abbey is committed to:
- Promoting a safer environment and culture.
- Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
- Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
- Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
- Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
- Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
The Parish will:
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- Create a safe and caring place for all.
- Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
- Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
- Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
- Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
- Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
- Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.
- Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
- Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
- Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed periodically.
- Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Protection Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.
John Weetman (vicar, on behalf of Selby Abbey PCC. 2023)
Local Contacts
Selby Abbey Parish Safeguarding Officer: Elaine Exley 07522182662 email: elaineann@sky.com
Vicar of Selby Abbey: John Weetman 01757 703123
Churchwardens of the Parish of Selby Abbey: Stewart Skilbeck 07803 251834 and Sue Tagert 07512 402107
York Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor: Rob Marshall 01904 699524 email: safeguarding@yorkdiocese.org
Local Authority Social Services – Children and Adults: North Yorkshire 01609 780780
National Support Helplines
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 ( free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).
The Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team: safeguarding@churchofengland.org