SAFEGUARDING

In the first instance please click here for the Church of England's work on Promoting a Safer Church and here for Diocesan Safeguarding Contacts - please note that St Matthew’s Church, Jersey is officially part of the Diocese of Winchester but that our Safeguarding is carried out by the Diocese of Canterbury's Safeguarding Advisers.

We take seriously our responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults entrusted to our care and have a Safeguarding Officer and Safeguarding Policy that we work to (HERE to Deanery policy) 

·      We aim to provide a safe and caring environment for all we come into contact with particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults.

·      We are committed to the implementation of the Parish Safeguarding Handbook Policy and the relevant statutory legislation and guidance for the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

·      We will ensure that all those who are authorised to work with vulnerable groups are appointed according to diocesan safer recruitment guidelines. We will exercise proper care in selection, appointment, training and support including the use of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

·      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 services in any investigation.

·      We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in authority.

·      We will have internal processes in place to support proper reporting of concerns and ensure that staff and volunteers are aware of what to do if they have a concern.

·      We will seek to offer pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them appropriate pastoral support.

·      We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church.

Our Safeguarding Officer, Heather Warren is the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or adult with vulnerability.

Please click HERE for contact information for the Church Wardens.

Canterbury Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers

In ensuring high standards of practice in safeguarding, we are supported by the Diocese of Canterbury's safeguarding team, who work closely with the Jersey police and the specialist staff of the States of Jersey Committee for Health and Social Care. 

The Safeguarding Advisers are qualified and experienced social care practitioners who can provide advice and guidance to parishes and others in the diocese on child and adult protection. They can offer advice, discuss any protection matters and clarify anything in the National Guidelines. They are always ready to work with you to plan a detailed response to any protection issue, taking into account all aspects of your particular situation. Please do not hesitate to contact them; they are always very ready to help.

Fiona Coombs: 07548 232395 -  fcoombs@diocant.org

Paul Brightwell: 07398 009951 - pbrightwell@diocant.org

Further Information

More information about the Church of England's commitment to safeguarding can be found here.