Safeguarding in the Parishes of the Benefice of Whorlton Group & Parish Safeguarding Policy

We are entirely committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults at all Parishes of the Benefice of Whorlton Group. We constantly review our policies in this regard and we ensure that we are providing as safe an environment as possible for all those who worship at our churches or use our other premises.

Our Safeguarding Policy is in accordance with that of the Diocese of York, which is part of the Church of England, whose Archbishops, Bishops, clergy and leaders are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church. Our Parochial Church Councils (PCC) frequently examine the safeguarding situation in each parish. As our Parochial Church Councils are deeply committed to ensuring the safety and well being of everyone who participates in the numerous activities organised by members of our parishes, which belong to Whorlton Benefice, we developed and adopted a Parish Safeguarding Policy for each of our parishes based on the Diocese of York Model Safeguarding Policy. 

Please, see a sample of the Parish Safeguarding Policy of one of our parishes (Rudby-in-Cleveland).  

You can read more about safeguarding in our Diocese here: 

http://dioceseofyork.org.uk/safeguarding

Following our commitment to creating a safer church in all of our parishes, if you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention call the emergency services on 999. Do not delay.

NSPCC helpline for Children and Adults: 0800 80 20 20 (dedicated Church of England reporting line)

Safeguarding means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means we will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, work to prevent abuse from occurring, seek to protect those that are at risk of being abused and respond well to those that have been abused. We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others, and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks.

The Church of England affirms the ‘Whole Church’ approach to safeguarding. This approach encompasses a commitment to consistent policy and practice across all Church bodies, Church Officers and that everyone associated with the Church, who comes into contact with children, young people and adults, has a role to play.

The Church will take appropriate steps to maintain a safer environment for all and to practice fully and positively Christ’s Ministry towards children, young people and adults; to respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help keep them safe from harm.

As the Church of England is committed to creating a Safe Church envirovement, each parish in the Benefice of Whorlton has its own dedicated Safeguarding Officer. However, we would like to make the issue of saveguarding more effective and, therefore, we have appointed a Benefice Safeguarding Coordinator who will support each parish of our Banefice in this importand area of our ministry.

Our Safeguarding contacts are:

Benefice Safeguarding Officer and Safeguarding Co-ordinator - Mrs Andrea Wheatley:

Mobile phone - 07958 667842; email - office.whorlton@gmail.com

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFEGUARDING IN PARISHES OF WHORLTON BENEFICE 

Revd Robert Opala - Rector - 01642 701 245; robertopala62@yahoo.co.uk

Mrs Andrea Wheatley - Safeguarding Officer for all parishes of the benefice - office.whorlton@gmail.com;  (07958 667842)