Welcome to Christ Church Alsager
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Frequently Asked Questions On Safeguarding |
Q. What happens when a concern is reported?
If someone is in immediate danger then contact the police on 999, and they will respond accordingly.
We will:
- Find somewhere appropriate so that you feel comfortable sharing.
- Let you go at your own pace. We recognise that this can be a difficult time.
- Listen to what you have to say. We might ask some basic questions, but it is not our role to investigate.
- Believe what you say. We might write down what you have said so that we are sure we understand it. We might ask you to sign the notes, but this isn’t necessary in all circumstances.
- Only tell those people that it is essential to tell. We cannot promise confidentiality, but we will only tell those people that it is necessary to keep you safe.
- Report our concern to the diocese safeguarding team We do this using an electronic form and are required to report within 24 hours of becoming aware of the issue.
The diocese will respond to the concern (usually the next day, but in any case, within 72 hours.) They will advise on any actions. Their advice always includes support for anyone who is a victim / survivor. The diocese has great network contacts, and can speak to schools, the police, social services and other key agencies. The Parish Safeguarding team will implement the plan the diocese have asked them to. They will always offer pastoral support to victims/survivors and their families.
Reports are reviewed regularly and the PSO will always take into account how you are feeling.
We will:
- Find somewhere appropriate so that you feel comfortable sharing.
- Let you go at your own pace. We recognise that this can be a difficult time.
- Listen to what you have to say. We might ask some basic questions, but it is not our role to investigate.
- Believe what you say. We might write down what you have said so that we are sure we understand it. We might ask you to sign the notes, but this isn’t necessary in all circumstances.
- Only tell those people that it is essential to tell. We cannot promise confidentiality, but we will only tell those people that it is necessary to keep you safe.
- Report our concern to the diocese safeguarding team We do this using an electronic form and are required to report within 24 hours of becoming aware of the issue.
The diocese will respond to the concern (usually the next day, but in any case, within 72 hours.) They will advise on any actions. Their advice always includes support for anyone who is a victim / survivor. The diocese has great network contacts, and can speak to schools, the police, social services and other key agencies. The Parish Safeguarding team will implement the plan the diocese have asked them to. They will always offer pastoral support to victims/survivors and their families.
Reports are reviewed regularly and the PSO will always take into account how you are feeling.
Q. What support do you offer victims/survivors?
If you are a victim or survivor of church-related abuse, or you or someone you know has been affected by one of the independent reports looking into safeguarding practice within the diocese, please know that support is available to you.
Please read the guide 'Responding well to victims and survivors' which provides information about sources of support.
Any individual who wishes to come forward with information or to make a disclosure is encouraged to make direct contact with the diocesan Safeguarding Team.
You can do this by emailing [email protected].
Thirtyone:eight
If you prefer, you can speak to someone independent who will also listen to your concerns, you can ring our partner organisation, Thirtyone:eight on 0303 003 1111.
Thrityone:eight is an independent Christian charity that offers a telephone listening service for adult survivors of abuse to talk about their experiences in detail and in confidence with a sensitive listener. Download this leaflet for more information about the Thirtyone:eight listening service.
Please read the guide 'Responding well to victims and survivors' which provides information about sources of support.
Any individual who wishes to come forward with information or to make a disclosure is encouraged to make direct contact with the diocesan Safeguarding Team.
You can do this by emailing [email protected].
Thirtyone:eight
If you prefer, you can speak to someone independent who will also listen to your concerns, you can ring our partner organisation, Thirtyone:eight on 0303 003 1111.
Thrityone:eight is an independent Christian charity that offers a telephone listening service for adult survivors of abuse to talk about their experiences in detail and in confidence with a sensitive listener. Download this leaflet for more information about the Thirtyone:eight listening service.
Safe Spaces
We recognise that for those with a lived experience of abuse from within the Church, you may want to speak to a different independent charity. Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service that provides a confidential, personal, and safe space for anyone who is a victim or survivor of church-related abuse.
You can email them at [email protected], or speak to someone in person on 0300 303 1056.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 9am – 9pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm
Sunday from 1pm - 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
We recognise that for those with a lived experience of abuse from within the Church, you may want to speak to a different independent charity. Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service that provides a confidential, personal, and safe space for anyone who is a victim or survivor of church-related abuse.
You can email them at [email protected], or speak to someone in person on 0300 303 1056.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 9am – 9pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm
Sunday from 1pm - 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
Q. What do I do if I want to help at one of your events?
That’s great! Speak to the person who is running the event.
They will be able to tell you what it’s all about and what, if any, safeguarding requirements are needed. For most of our activities there is a ministry profile (job description) and a person specification. All our ministries are matched to a safeguarding matrix, so we can tell you what level of DBS is required and what safeguard training you will be asked to complete.
You can have a taster – in fact we would encourage you to try out the event first of all to see if you like it and are suitable. We will encourage you to go onto a rota, and as soon as you do, we will ask for a DBS check (if it’s required)
Your safeguard training is the responsibility of the diocese and can be completed online. You can access the portal by pressing the below button saying "Portal".
You can find out the courses you need to complete from the person leading the event or the Parish Safeguarding Officer.
We will ask you to complete a volunteer agreement, which you find below. This will help you identify what we offer (training and support) and be clear about your role.
They will be able to tell you what it’s all about and what, if any, safeguarding requirements are needed. For most of our activities there is a ministry profile (job description) and a person specification. All our ministries are matched to a safeguarding matrix, so we can tell you what level of DBS is required and what safeguard training you will be asked to complete.
You can have a taster – in fact we would encourage you to try out the event first of all to see if you like it and are suitable. We will encourage you to go onto a rota, and as soon as you do, we will ask for a DBS check (if it’s required)
Your safeguard training is the responsibility of the diocese and can be completed online. You can access the portal by pressing the below button saying "Portal".
You can find out the courses you need to complete from the person leading the event or the Parish Safeguarding Officer.
We will ask you to complete a volunteer agreement, which you find below. This will help you identify what we offer (training and support) and be clear about your role.
Q. What if I have a blemished DBS?
Blemished is the phrase used to describe some information on the Disclosure and Barring Service that could prevent you from working with children, young people or vulnerable adults. This will all depend on what that information is. The diocese safeguarding team examine all blemished records and make a risk assessment. They will need to interview you and they will take into account the Parish Safeguarding Officers thoughts.
Having a conviction or being interviewed by the police over a criminal matter will not automatically prevent you from being able to help. It will all depend on what the conviction is or what the interview was about. Many risk assessments will include a contract between you and the diocese outlining the requirements to make it safe for you to help.
You can speak to the Parish Safeguarding Officer or Diocese safeguarding team in confidence.
Having a conviction or being interviewed by the police over a criminal matter will not automatically prevent you from being able to help. It will all depend on what the conviction is or what the interview was about. Many risk assessments will include a contract between you and the diocese outlining the requirements to make it safe for you to help.
You can speak to the Parish Safeguarding Officer or Diocese safeguarding team in confidence.
