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Policy for safeguarding adults in our church

Foreword by the Bishop of Chelmsford

In recent years we have spent a good deal of time and energy implementing our Diocesan Policy for Child Protection and this good and essential work continues.

Now we must also ensure that our churches can be safe places for everyone, adults as well as children.  This brief but vital policy helps us to understand how when we are vulnerable through illness or the events of life we need support and care.  It aims to help parishes ensure that adults always receive a respectful pastoral ministry.

As we launch this policy we commit ourselves to the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable people.  We can do no less as we witness to the love of God in our communities.

+ John

Download the full policy in PDF format.

Summary of the Policy

• We are committed to respectful pastoral ministry for all adults within our church community.
• We are committed, within our church community, to the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable people.
• We will carefully select and train all those with any pastoral responsibility within the Church, including the use of Criminal Records Bureau disclosures where legal or appropriate.
• We will respond without delay to any complaint made that an adult for whom we were responsible has been harmed, cooperating with police and the local authority in any investigation.
• We will seek to offer informed pastoral care to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate healing ministry.
• We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.
• We will care for and supervise any member of our church community known to have offended against a vulnerable person.

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