Parish of Rottingdean
St Margaret of Antioch – The Green, Rottingdean, Brighton BN2 7HA
Registered Charity 1138715
Safeguarding Policy 2025 Update
Introduction
Our Safeguarding Policy is our commitment to ensuring that everyone who visits St Margaret’s—whether as a worshipper, visitor, or participant in community activities—feels safe and welcome. This policy aligns with the latest Church of England Safeguarding Code and the five national safeguarding standards.
Who We Are
We are a worshipping community within Rottingdean, distinct from Brighton, yet serving the wider area. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has responsibility for safeguarding, with a designated Safeguarding Officer appointed to implement this policy.
Definition of Safeguarding
Safeguarding involves protecting children (those under the age of 18) and vulnerable adults (those aged 18 or above) from abuse and neglect while fostering a culture where all people are safe from physical, psychological, sexual, and spiritual abuse, irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, or ability.
Legal & Ecclesiastical Framework
Our policy is guided by:
- Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (as amended in 2021)
- Church of England Safeguarding Code (2025)
- Five National Safeguarding Standards (detailed below)
- Statutory Safeguarding Legislation (Children Act 2004, Equality Act 2010, Mental Capacity Act 2005)
We will comply fully with the Diocese of Chichester’s safeguarding procedures to the best of our knowledge and ability.
The Five National Safeguarding Standards
To ensure best safeguarding practice, we adopt the following standards:
- Culture, Leadership, and Capacity
- We foster a safe and healthy culture, with clear safeguarding leadership and regular audits to ensure compliance.
- Prevention
- We have robust safer recruitment practices, ensure all volunteers and staff undergo DBS checks as appropriate, and maintain ongoing safeguarding training.
- Recognising, Assessing, and Managing Risk
- Risk assessments and safety plans are conducted where necessary, in compliance with Church and statutory safeguarding agencies.
- Victims and Survivors
- We commit to timely, appropriate responses to safeguarding concerns, ensuring victims receive justice and pastoral support.
- Learning, Supervision, and Support
- Those engaged in safeguarding receive ongoing training, supervision, and professional development.
To help manage our responsibilities we will adopt the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard to monitor and report safeguarding compliance effectively. This tool aligns with the National Safeguarding Standards.
Safeguarding in Practice
Children & Adults at Risk
- All staff and volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults will be expected to adhere to Church of England’s Safer Recruitment & People Management Policy.
- No adult will work alone with a child; there must always be two adults present.
- Training: All staff working with children will complete the Diocesan Safeguarding Training.
Reporting & Managing Concerns
- Concerns can be raised with the Safeguarding Officer or Vicar.
- Mandatory reporting: All concerns are reported to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and, where necessary, to statutory authorities.
- All safeguarding incidents will be recorded securely.
Allegations & Investigations
- We will follow the Church of England’s Managing Allegations Code when handling concerns about Church officers, clergy, or volunteers.
- The Diocesan Safeguarding Case Management Group (SCMG) will be consulted on all significant cases.
Serious Incident Reporting
- All serious safeguarding incidents are reported to the Charity Commission as per Church and statutory guidelines.
Additional Safeguarding Commitments
- Bullying & Harassment: Zero tolerance towards any form of bullying, including cyberbullying.
- Domestic Abuse: Support for survivors, with a trained domestic abuse liaison.
- Inclusivity: Commitment to welcoming LGBTI+ individuals, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities, ensuring accessibility and inclusion.
Monitoring & Review
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with Church of England safeguarding policies and statutory guidance.
Contact Information
Safeguarding Officer: Kerwin Hack
Vicar: Fr
Diocesan Safeguarding Team: 01273 421021
Approved by: PCC
Date: 18th March 2025
This policy ensures that St Margaret of Antioch remains a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community, upholding our duty of care to all who enter our church.