The PCCs of the Upper Kennet Benefice have formally adopted the House of Bishops’ Promoting a Safer Church; Safeguarding Policy Statement and reviews this policy annually at APCM .

A copy of this Statement, together with the Safeguarding Policy and Handbook and various supporting documents, is held in the Benefice Office and the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy is displayed in every church in the Benefice. A list of organisations that offer support for vulnerable adults and children are also displayed in the church porches

The Benefice designated Safeguarding Representatives are:

Mrs Elizabeth Daley and Mr Roderick Palfrey

Any queries should be addressed to them or to the Rector Rev Maria Shepherdson.

Contact details, as well as the Diocesan Safeguarding Representative and various helplines, are given on the website and church noticeboards.

We are committed to upholding the stated aims of the Diocesan Policy.

To this end:

• We will carefully select, support and train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with the principles of Safer Recruitment. We will respond without delay to every complaint made, that any adult, child or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation.
• We will seek to offer informed pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry that recognises the importance of understanding the needs of those who have been abused, including their feelings of alienation and / or isolation.
• We will seek to protect survivors of abuse from the possibility of further harm and abuse.
• We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of respect and responsibility, where they are trusted by others.We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision, and referral to the appropriate authorities, to any member of our Church community known to have offended against a child, young person or adult who is vulnerable.

In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice.

This document is Reviewed Annually at Parishes APCM