Personal security and safety are important to us, whether you are a visitor or a member of our church family.

Our Safeguarding officer is Paula Hallam.

Email Paula at safeguarding@churchontheheath.org.uk or contact the church office via office@churchontheheath.org.uk or call 01252 400236 to get a message to her.

Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor

Jackie Broadfoot 07918 559387 jackie.broadfoot@cofeguildford.org.uk

Contact details are posted on our noticeboards in the church building.

Please find details of our Safeguarding Policy below:

Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults

At the ECC meeting held on 12th February 2024 the Ecumenical Church Council (ECC) of Church on the Heath, Elvetham Heath, The Key, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 1HA adopted the Church of England Safeguarding Policy Statement “Promoting a Safer Church,” House of Bishops’ Practice Guidance, and supporting Diocesan Safeguarding Protocols.

“Promoting a Safer Church” sets out the Church of England’s commitment to making the Church a safer place for all. The Policies and Practice Guidance apply to each denomination within the Church and to Church officers. All clergy, ministers, licensed readers and lay workers, church wardens and ECCs must have due regard to safeguarding guidance issued by the House of Bishops.

 The Policy Statement, Policies, Guidance and Protocols are available to view on the Diocesan website at www.cofeguildford.org.uk/safeguarding

 As an ECC we are committed to the support, nurture and protection of all in our Church community.

 The Church will:

 •           Create a safe and caring place for all.

•           Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the Minister and the ECC to implement policy and procedures.

•           Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and vulnerable adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.

•           Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the Church.

•           Display in Church premises and our website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.

•           Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.

•           Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.

•           Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.

•           Following advice from the DSA, support and manage the safe involvement of any member of the Church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.

•           Ensure that procedures and risk assessments are in place for all activities and that these are reviewed annually.

•           Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, procedures and practices at least annually.

Each person who works within this Church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this Church.