Our Safeguarding Policy Statement
The Parochial Church Councils of Dartmouth and Dittisham
Copies of Diocesan and parish guidelines and procedures are held by/can be accessed at: The Benefice Office, St Saviour’s Church, Dartmouth TQ6 9DL
The PCC shall review the safeguarding policy annually. The next review will take place at the first PCC meeting following the APCM to be held in Spring 2026.
Immediate Risk of Harm?
If you believe somebody is at immediate risk of harm or that a crime has been committed, dial 999
If you have serious concerns about an individual’s well-being, you should contact the relevant agencies listed below before then recording it with our Safeguarding Team.
Safeguarding Policy Statement
The trustees of the Parochial Church Councils of Dartmouth and Dittisham fully recognise and accept the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy Statement ‘Making a Safer Church 2017’, and commits to complying with the current Church of England and Diocesan safeguarding policies and practice guidance. In so doing we will comply with the secular multi-agency safeguarding procedures relating to children and young people and adults experiencing or at risk of harm, abuse or neglect.
Our policy upholds all aspects of the Exeter Diocesan Safeguarding Policy and locally applies to all clergy, parish officers, councillors and volunteers working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults in any way.
We are committed to:
Establishing a safe environment so that children, young people, and vulnerable adults can join in church activities happily and securely.
Ensuring safe recruitment of staff and volunteers in line with the Diocesan Guidelines on safer recruitment as recommended by the House of Bishops in the Parish Safeguarding Handbook.
Raising awareness of safeguarding issues in children and vulnerable adults to help equip children, young people and vulnerable adults, staff and volunteers with the skills needed to keep them safe.
Protecting those staff and volunteers working with children, young people and vulnerable adults from misunderstandings or false accusations.
Learning how to recognise cases of abuse should these arise with the children and vulnerable adults within the church community and to support them if ever it should be necessary.
Providing a framework for the safe management of known offenders within the church community.
Offering appropriate support and sensitivity to children and vulnerable adults who have suffered abuse as well as adult survivors of abuse.
Concerns about children
If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person in Devon, or if you are a child worried about your own safety,
please contact: Devon Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) 0345 155 1071
Concerns about adults
If you suspect that a vulnerable adult is being abused, or you are being abused yourself and live within Devon Local Authority boundaries,
please contact Adult Social Care on 0345 1551 007 (Monday to Thursday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Friday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm)
Outside of the hours above or on bank holidays call the Emergency Duty Service on 0345 6000 388
Domestic abuse
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, support is available.
You can refer yourself or someone else safely and confidentially to access help from services across Devon.
Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance: 08082 816161
Rape Crisis
A service for anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales who has been affected by rape, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment or any other form of sexual violence – at any point in their life.
This includes people of all genders who have experienced sexual violence or abuse, as well as anyone supporting them.
24/7 Rape and sexual abuse support line: 0808 500 2222
NSPCC
Whether you want to report child abuse and neglect, or are worried about a child and not sure what to do, you can contact the NSPCC for advice 0808 800 5000
Childline
Children who want to speak directly to someone about any concerns they have can call Childline: 0800 11 11