Every person has a value and dignity, which comes directly from the creation of people in God’s image. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

• We commit ourselves to nurture, protect and safeguard all our members, particularly children, young people and adults at risk. We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church.

• We undertake to exercise proper care in the selection, appointment, training and support of those working with children or adults at risk.

• We will respond without delay to concerns or allegations that a child or adult at risk may have been harmed, cooperating fully in any investigation.

• We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.

• We will seek to offer pastoral care to anyone who has suffered abuse.

• 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 adult at risk.

Please refer to the Parish Safeguarding Policy Statement, Diocesan Safeguarding Policy Promoting a Safer Diocese (2018) and the National Church’s Safeguarding Policies and Parish Safeguarding Handbook for more information.