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St Mary The Virgin Church

Safeguarding 

Promoting a Safer Church


Our Parish of Buckland is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm.  Within St Mary's Buckland, our Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) is Caroline Gale.   Caroline ensures that we follow the detailed policies and standards set by the Church of England, through the Diocese of Southwark.  Safeguarding is not the role of one person, but shared by all our Leadership Team, namely the members of our Parochial Church Council (PCC).  Each member of the Leadership Team has undertaken basic training in Safeguarding, and is aware of how to recognise any behaviours that may be interpreted as abuse, mis-treatment, coercion or bullying, and the reporting mechanism that will follow.
 
Key Steps to Follow according to circumstances:
  • Immediate Danger: Call 999 straight away if a child or adult is at immediate risk of harm or requires urgent medical attention.
  • Non-Emergency Concerns: Pass the information on immediately to your local Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) or the Vicar to seek guidance.
  • If the PSO or Vicar is Involved: If your concern involves the Parish Safeguarding Officer or the Vicar, you should bypass them and contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team at the Diocese of Southwark directly.
 
Members of the Leadership Team, or indeed any member of the congregation or the community, may report a concern or an incident via Caroline, our PSO.   To assess any incidents or concerns raised, Caroline and the Rector have the support of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who is a full-time professional with wide experience in Safeguarding, to ensuring that matters are dealt with in line with policies and guidance.
 
St Mary's Buckland - Parish Safeguarding Officer 
Caroline Gale, galecaroline@googlemail.com
 
The current 'Safer Church Policy' agreed by the PCC of St Mary's Buckland in December 2024 is available HERE.
 
Further information and the safeguarding guidance and policies of the Diocese of Southwark can be found on their website HERE.
 

 
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