“Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from their creation in God’s own image and likeness. Christians have a duty to value, understand and respect the rights of children and adults as people of faith in the life of the church.” Diocese of Bristol Safeguarding Policy, 2023
What to do if a child, young person or adult has shared a concern with you, or you have seen or heard something of concern:
If the situation is urgent i.e. there is an imminent risk of harm, contact the police on 101 or 999 as appropriate or contact the Local Authority Children or Adults safeguarding Teams:
Wiltshire Children’s Safeguarding Team:
Wiltshire Council: Social Care Team Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) Telephone number ‐ Monday to Friday 0300 456 0108 Out of Hours 0300 456 0100
Wiltshire Adult Safeguarding Team:
Telephone number ‐ Monday to Friday 0300 456 0111 Out of Hours 0300 456 100
Once you have sought advice from police or the Local Authority and the situation is made safe, or if you just want to discuss any potential safeguarding issues that you may be worried about, inform the Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), or the Vicar or Curate as soon as possible of the concern and actions taken; provide a written record of this. If the concern is about the Parish Safeguarding Officer contact the Incumbent (ie the Vicar or Curate) or the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser.
Our Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) is Dr Sarah Perera. You can contact her on 07717 206235 or sarahy@doctors.org.uk
Our Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO) Adam Bond can be contacted on 0117 906 0100.
If advice is needed on a safeguarding issue and no-one is not available, Thirty One:Eight provide a helpline that can be contacted on 0303 003 11 11. Please state that you are calling from a Diocese of Bristol church and contact Sarah Perera (the PSO) as soon as possible afterwards to report that you sought advice from Thirty One:Eight and the action taken.
It is the responsibility of all Church Members to give the highest importance to the nurture and care of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, in a safe and secure environment. It is about preventing harm to children and adults wherever possible.
The Church Community of Lacock and Bowden Hill commits to follow the safeguarding policies of the Church of England, the Safeguarding Guidance as issued by the Diocese of Bristol and commits to working within legislation and statutory guidance as related to the Safeguarding of Children, Young People and Adults. Useful links:
[1] Formerly known as Churches Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS)