Safeguarding

We operate a full safeguarding policy for children and vulnerable adults in accordance with Diocese in Europe guidelines, as set out in the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy. What follows is a summary, but you can also read our Chaplaincy Safeguarding Policy for more information.

Key contacts

• St James Safeguarding Officer - Sue Kirby: 071-5621595 (office hours only)  | safeguarding@stjames.nl
• Diocesan confidential telephone line: +44 (0)207 898 1163 | https://europe.anglican.org/safeguarding/who-to-contact
• Meldpunt Seksueel Misbruik in de Kerk: 030-3038590 | info@smpr.nl | www.smpr.nl

We will not tolerate the abuse of children or adults in any form.

Specifically, within our Chaplaincy we are committed to:

• The care, nurture, and respectful pastoral ministry of all children, young persons and adults
• The safeguarding and protection of all children, young persons and adults who may be vulnerable
• The establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is a culture of ‘informed vigilance’ as to the dangers of abuse.
• The careful selection and training of all those with any safeguarding responsibility within the Church, including the use of available criminal records disclosures and relevant vetting and barring schemes.
• Preventing abuse or the likelihood of abuse by encouraging and adopting a pro-active stance to safeguarding; responding to the slightest concern whether by rumour, speculation or from an anonymous source – every safeguarding concern will be taken seriously.
• Ensuring that any concern about safeguarding must be passed onto someone in the Diocesan Safeguarding Team as there are no legal barriers to sharing such concerns.
• Responding without delay to every complaint made which suggests that a child, young person or adult may have been harmed - co-operating with the local police, relevant local agencies and any other relevant body (eg other faith groups) in any investigation.
• Seeking to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.
• Seeking to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.
• Seeking to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.