Safeguarding

St Margaret’s is committed to Safeguarding and has adopted the National and Diocesan Safeguarding Policies. Our Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) is Sue Clifford who can be contacted on 07876 535517. Our Local Safeguarding Contact (LSC) is Jean Ainsworth who can be contacted on 01270 820532.

The Diocesan Safeguarding Officer is Neil Spiring, who can be contacted on 01543 306147  or at safeguarding@lichfield.anglican.org.

 

STATEMENT ON THE CARE OF ADULTS IN THE CHURCH

St. Margaret’s Church, Betley.

2026 Safeguarding Policy and Procedures Document on Safeguarding, Children, Young People and Adults

 

Since July 2015 the PCC has had Safeguarding policies to cover children, young people and vulnerable adults, in keeping with Lichfield Diocesan Guidelines. The Safeguarding Policy and
Procedures Document Policy was last reviewed at the June 2026 meeting and will be reviewed annually by the PCC.

It is useful to remind ourselves of the particular needs of adults and what our commitments to adults are as a Church of caring people and to those using the Reading Room.

  1. Everyone has different levels of vulnerability and each of us may be regarded as vulnerable at some time in our lives.
  2. Respectful pastoral care should be available to all adults to whom we minister.
  3. The need to provide formal Safeguarding is covered by the Safeguarding Policy June 2026 and is intended to protect those who may be vulnerable, ensuring their well being in the life of this church.
  4. All those in positions of trust will be made aware of the Health and Safety Policies and the need for safe practices in the Church and will follow the Code Of Safer Working Practice.
  5. Vulnerable persons should be able to find inclusion and empowerment in our community, including the sick and those with disabilities
  6. It is the responsibility of each of us to prevent the physical, emotional, sexual, financial and spiritual abuse of vulnerable people and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect, to the Parish Safeguarding Officer or the Local Safeguarding Contact.
    In particular we aim to be aware of the following 3 groups in particular:

    1. St. Margaret’s Church is now designated as a Dementia Friendly Church and is entitled to use the Forget Me Not Logo. Linda Hough, with Jennifer Walton are now leading this work. Several members of the congregation have undertaken training.  We aim to provide a ‘dementia friendly environment’. Various changes to how we manage the church environment to make it easier to use and safer, eg clear labelling of the entry/exit of the toilet. There is also a notice board and useful information available. It is 3 years since we gained Dementia friendly status and we will work towards renewing the certificate.
    2. We will also ensure people with any disability get help and support. We aim to have an open church and review our arrangements for ensuring easy access to the building and the worship for everyone. The Audio system is up to date with a ‘loop system. The Lighting System has been upgraded, which has improved ease of movement round the church as well as making reading easier.
    3. As a community we are aware that Domestic Abuse takes many forms and is very common and may include social media. There is a list of definitions for what constitutes
      abuse at any age and what to look for. In the first instance the Local Safeguarding Contact may be approached who will then consult with the Parish Safeguarding Officer will aim support, help and to direct people to the appropriate local agencies.
    4. From time to time we may find that an ex offender wishes to join our church. In that case we would liaise with Diocesan Advisory Coordinator and follow the guidelines provided in the Safeguarding Handbook. If it is felt that anyone joining our congregation poses a risk to others, we would follow the same procedure.
  7. Only appropriate people should work with those who may be vulnerable.
  8. The same support, resources, and training, will be offered to those who undertake work with adults who may be vulnerable, in the same way as work with children is managed and reviewed. This may include for example pastoral visitors. The PCC and Parish Safeguarding Officer will be responsible for identifying such training.
  9. The parish adopts the guidelines of the Church of England and the Diocese.
  10. Each person who works with vulnerable people will agree to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by this church.

 

The Parish Safeguarding officer appointed by the PCC will represent the concerns and views of vulnerable people at our meetings and to outside bodies as required.

APPROVED by PCC 16th June 2026