Policy
Whether they are stated or not, every parish has to have certain policies on how things are done. In the Diocese of Chichester every parish has to adopt the standard policies on the protection of children and vulnerable adults. Ours are reproduced here.If you’re interested in baptism or marriage at Christ Church, please see the other pages listed in the and use the Church of England’s postcode checker to see if you live in the parish. For full details of what the Church can provide, please contact the Vicar, either by phone, post or e-mail.
The following policies were agreed at the Parochial Church Council [PCC] meeting held on 30 January 2008:
Child Protection Policy
As members of this PCC we commit our parish to the nurturing, protection and safeguarding of all, especially the young and vulnerable.We recognise that our work with children and young people is the responsibility of the whole church community.
We are committed to following the Home Office Code of Practice, Safe from Harm, and the diocesan guidelines.
We undertake to select all our workers with care, to support them and to train them.
We are committed to supporting our families in their parenting role.
We review this policy annually.
We have appointed ELIZABETH GREEN as the children’s representative for the parish.
| Signed: |
Fr Neil P Chatfield, Vicar, Chairman PCC Andrew C Leach, Churchwarden G Barbara Crook, Churchwarden |
Vulnerable Persons Policy
The Church should have a particular care for any adult aged 18 or over who, by reason of mental or other disability, age, illness or other situation is permanently or for the time being unable to take care of him or herself, or to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation.There are many circumstances that may render someone vulnerable. This policy seeks to address proper pastoral conduct and guidance for those with pastoral responsibilities within the church and also what church officers and members should do when a person discloses abuse taking place outside the church, or within their family or care home.
The policy is summarised as:
- We are committed to respectful pastoral ministry to all adults within our church community.
- We are committed, within our church community, to the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable people.
- We will carefully select and train all those with any pastoral responsibility within the Church, including the use of Criminal Records Bureau disclosures where legal or appropriate.
- We will respond without delay to any complaint made that an adult for whom we were responsible has been harmed, cooperating with police and the local authority in any investigation.
- We will seek to offer informed pastoral care to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate healing ministry.
- We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.
- We will care for and supervise any member of our church community known to have offended against a vulnerable person.
| Signed: |
Fr Neil P Chatfield, Vicar, Chairman PCC Andrew C Leach, Churchwarden G Barbara Crook, Churchwarden |
Application of the Policies
The principal practical effect of the policies is that the PCC has resolved that no-one is to be appointed to any role where contact with children or other vulnerable people may be had without his* having been a regular member of the congregation for at least six months.The diocesan and Home Office guidelines for the protection of children stipulate searches of statutory organisations’ records which the PCC reserves the right to carry out.
The PCC may decline to appoint any person to any role, or may refuse to ratify any appointment.
For details of the policy and its application, please ask the Vicar. You can also mail the Child Protection Representative.
* References to one gender must be read as implying that the policy applies to all,
of whatever age, sex or sexual orientation.
