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OAKTREE ANGLICAN FELLOWSHIP’S SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT:

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THE ADVISORY CHURCH COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT ON SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND ADULTS AT RISK

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The Advisory Church Council (ACC) of Oaktree recognises the importance to protect and safeguard the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk entrusted to the church’s care. Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. 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.

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  • We accept and endorse the principles of the House of Bishops’ Policy for safeguarding children (Protecting All God’s Children, 2010) and safeguarding adults in the Church of England (Promoting a Safe Church,2006).

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  • We commit ourselves to nurture, protect and safeguard all our members, particularly children, young people and adults at risk.

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  • We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church community.

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  • We undertake to exercise proper care in the selection, appointment, training and support of those working in a paid or voluntary position with children or adults at risk, including the use of Criminal Records disclosures and making appropriate referrals to the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

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  • We will respond without delay to concerns or allegations that a child or adult at risk may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and social care services in any investigation.

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

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  • We will seek to offer pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate healing ministry.

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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.

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We have appointed Victoria Wells and Ellie Lewis as our Church Safeguarding Officers. Should you have concern about a child or vulnerable adult at risk, please contact this number: 0208 993 2060

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Oak Tree follows the Diocese of London Safeguarding Children and Young People’s policy and Safeguarding Adults at Risk policy:

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http://www.london.anglican.org/support/safeguarding/safeguarding-policy/

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Important phone numbers:

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Sheryl Kent, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: 020 7932 1224


CCPAS helpline: 0845 120 4550

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Family Lives: 0808 800 222 FREE (Previously ParentLine)

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ChildLine: 0800 1111 FREE

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NSPCC 24 hour Help Line: 0808 800 5000 FREE

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