Safeguarding at Holy Trinity Church, Gosport

Holy Trinity takes its responsibility for children, young people and vulnerable adults very seriously and their welfare is paramount in all areas of Church life.

Clergy, lay staff and volunteers who work within the organisation and/or as part of the congregation are required to follow good policy and practice to ensure that children, young people and vulnerable adults are safeguarded and nurtured physically, emotionally and spiritually. High professional standards are maintained in all worship and all pastoral, counselling, educational, and recreational situations involving children, young people and vulnerable adults.

To facilitate this all clergy, lay staff, volunteers and members of the congregation working with or seeking to work with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults are properly recruited, screened, trained and supported.

The Holy Trinity’s Safeguarding Policy Statement is below. Holy Trinity’s Safeguarding Representative is Elizabeth Hodgson, who can be contacted on safeguarding@holytrinitygosport.co.uk to answer any specific queries.

At Holy Trinity we commit our church community to the support, nurture, protection and safeguarding of all, especially the young and vulnerable. We recognise that our work with children, young people and adults who may be at risk is the responsibility of the whole church community and are fully committed to acting within current legislation, guidance, national frameworks and the Diocesan Safeguarding procedures.

We will ensure that all the necessary checks are made to promote the safe selection and recruitment of those who work with vulnerable groups, and provide the necessary supervision, support and training to them in order that they can undertake their roles effectively.

We will respond without delay to every concern raised that a child, young person or adult may have been harmed, or be at risk from harm.

We will fully co-operate with the Diocese and appropriate statutory agencies during any investigation into abuse, including when allegations are made against a member of the church community.

We commit ourselves to respectful pastoral care for all children and adults to whom we minister.

We commit ourselves to promoting safe practice by those in positions of trust.

Holy Trinity adopts the guidelines of the Church of England and the Diocese.

Each person who works with vulnerable groups, including children, will agree to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by the church.

We are committed to reviewing our policy annually, and as part of this, check that our parish safeguarding procedures are up-to-date and relevant.