Safeguarding

St Peter’s, Didcot Safeguarding Statement

The parish of Didcot: St Peter is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer, PSO, Paul Hedley. The Diocese of Oxford’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the PSO safeguarding@stpeters-didcot.org.uk or the DSA safeguardingreferrals@oxford.anglican.org. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

At St Peter’s, Didcot 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.

We carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with safer recruitment principles, including the use of Disclosure and Barring Service criminal records checks, whether paid or volunteer positions.

We  have a clear reporting procedure in place and will  challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.

We  work with anyone who has suffered abuse of any kind, developing with him or her, an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.

We offer pastoral care and support, including referral to the proper authorities or supportive agencies, to any member of our church community known to be needing support with caring for a child or adult.

You can find our safeguarding policy here .