Promoting a safer church

The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in church activities is the responsibility of the whole church. Everyone who participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.

Safeguarding is an integral part of the mission and ministry of the church in this diocese and is in line with our Growing in God strategy. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Contacts

Our diocese now partners with 'thirtyone:eight' an out of hours helpline for reporting safeguarding concerns when the diocesan office is closed or the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO) is on leave.

When the DSO is unavailable 'thirtyone:eight' will offer safeguarding cover via their Helpline (0303 003 1111).  If you contact the Helpline, please state clearly that you are calling from St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocese so that they can ensure information is appropriately shared with our Safeguarding team for necessary follow up on their return - an Information Sharing Agreement is in place which allows the DSO to receive a copy of any advice 'thirtyone:eight' may offer the parish church/caller.

'Thirtyone:eight' will operate Monday - Friday between 7.00 - 9.00am and 5.00pm - midnight, Saturday and Sunday 7.00am - midnight. 

Our policy is to:

• Promote a safer environment and culture
• Safely recruit and support everyone who is working with people who are at increased risk of harm or abuse within the church
• Respond promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
• Care pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons
• Care pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons
• Respond to those who may pose a risk to others.

In order to fulfil the above policy, we will provide facilities to;

The diocese works collaboratively with Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership and Police Public Protection.