Safeguarding at St James.
At St James we are committed to ensuring that we offer a safe environment for all who belong and worship here. Our aim is that together we grow in our knowledge, service and likeness to Jesus.
Ensuring a safe environment means that we pay particular attention and take special measures to protect those who are particularly vulnerable such as Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults. We have policies for each of these groups and our safeguarding policies can be found here.
We take the safety of everyone very seriously and expect that everyone will work within the church’s safeguarding policy.
Though particular people bear formal responsibility for Safeguarding, each of us also shares a common and general responsibility for ensuring that we maintain a safe environment.
Contact information
Jill Macdonald
07554 012184 | jillmac1949@gmail.com
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
Steph Haynes
07342 993844 | StephH@cofebirmingham.com
People with Responsibilities.
Jill MacDonald – Vicar and Parish Safeguarding Officer PSO
Jill holds formal responsibility for safeguarding at St James. Jill is also the designated Parish Safeguarding Officer and liaises with the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor and Statutory authorities as appropriate.
Chris Sale – Youth and Community Regeneration Coordinator
Chris provides support to Jill to ensure that all activities are undertaken safely and in accordance with the church’s safeguarding policies. Safeguarding concerns and incidents are to be raised with the PSO
John Macdonald – Church Warden
As Warden John has a duty of care to ensure that all Safeguarding procedures are in place, and that a suitably trained PSO is recruited and supported in that role. Safeguarding concerns and incidents are to be raised with the PSO
Lynn Jones – Church Warden
As Warden Lynn has a duty of care to ensure that all Safeguarding procedures are in place, and that a suitably trained PSO is recruited and supported in that role. Safeguarding concerns and incidents are to be raised with the PSO
St James PCC
Have a duty of care for the protection of the vulnerable by ensuring that safeguarding processes and actions are in accordance with the published policies. Safeguarding is an agenda item at every PCC meeting.
Volunteers and helpers
Provide information so that the PSO can obtain a DBS (Disclosure and Barring) Certificate prior to their taking up their role. They are also required to attend Safeguarding Training at a minimum every three years, to report any safeguarding concerns or incidents to the PSO and to maintain a safe setting for their work.
Everyone’s responsibility
Although we have put robust safeguarding policies with specified responsibilities and procedures in place, everyone has a part to play in keeping one another safe and protecting others from harm and accidents.
Firstly, that means that we are mindful of the possible effect on others of our actions, behaviour or words. What we intend for good or may seem innocuous to us, may be interpreted or received differently by others. Developing a sensitivity to others in this way is a value we want to encourage.
Secondly, if we see or hear something that causes us safeguarding concern, either for ourselves or for others, then we have a responsibility to raise that and to seek clarification or advice or, if necessary, for others to take action. Here’s how you do this and who you should go to:
What to do if you have a concern:
URGENT CONCERN ABOUT A CHILD, YOUNG PERSON OR ADULT AND IMMEDIATE RESPONSE IS REQUIRED
Refer to Parish Safeguarding Officer immediately, if they are not available directly contact the emergency services (999) AND inform and discuss your concerns with the Parish Safeguarding Officer (unless subject to concern), Clergy (unless subject to concern) or speak directly to the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser.
CONCERN ABOUT SOMEONE IN NEED OR AT RISK OF HARM
Inform and discuss your concerns with the Parish Safeguarding Officer (unless subject to concern), Clergy (unless subject to concern) or speak directly to the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser.
CONCERNS ABOUT ANYONE OR ANYTHING THAT MAY PUT SOMEONE ELSE OR YOU AT RISK OF HARM
Inform and discuss your concerns with the Parish Safeguarding Officer (unless subject to concern), Clergy (unless subject to concern) or speak directly to the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser.
Confidentiality and Openness
Although we share a common commitment to ensuring that St James is a safe place for all, in the interests of justice and of honouring one another, many safeguarding matters are sensitive and need to be dealt with confidentially. That said, we want safeguarding to be as transparent and open as possible and as is appropriate.
Together we want St James to be a safe and vibrant church family where everyone can thrive and that personally and corporately, we live out and make God’s love known in the world around. We invite you to take your place and play your part!
