Safeguarding at Nine Bridges Benefice

The Nine Bridges Benefice is committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within our church community. We are committed to following legislation, guidance and recognised good practice. We believe that safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone in the church community, and this is reflected in all of our activities.

Benefice Policies and Procedures

As part of our action plan, we have done the following:

  • The PCC is committed to the diocese policy statement on safeguarding. A copy of that statement can be found here.
  • The policy statement recognises that 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 these Parish Churches has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all. We recognise that each of us may be regarded as vulnerable at some time in our lives.
  • It is based on six overarching policy commitments, and a foundation of the Gospel, human rights and the law, a set of core principles, and good safeguarding practice.
  • Nine Bridges Benefice has formally adopted the Church of England’s policies on safeguarding, including the House of Bishops’ Promoting a Safer Church; safeguarding policy statement 2017; the House of Bishops’ 2006 Policy on Safeguarding Adults (Promoting a Safer Church); and the House of Bishops’ and diocesan safeguarding policies and practice guidance. Information on the Church of England’s safeguarding policies may be found here: https://www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding
  • Information about safeguarding from Peterborough Diocese may also be found here: https://www.peterborough-diocese.org.uk/safeguarding/safeguarding 

Nine Bridges Benefice

SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION

Your safety matters.

If you have been harmed, are at risk of harm, or are worried about someone else, we will listen and take you seriously.

🟣 How to Report Abuse Within the Church

If you wish to report abuse or raise a safeguarding concern within the Nine Bridges Benefice, you can contact:

Benefice Safeguarding Officer:

Simon Clayton

01733 372726

safeguarding@9bridges.church

Vicar:

Rev Keir Dow

01733 372725 or 07980412345

vicar@9bridges.church

You may also contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team directly:

Diocese of Peterborough Safeguarding Team

Email: safeguarding@peterborough-diocese.org.uk              Tel: 01733 887000

You do not have to go through someone locally if you prefer not to.

🟣 Support for Victims and Survivors

If you disclose abuse:

  • You will be listened to carefully and treated with respect.
  • Your immediate safety and wellbeing will be prioritised.
  • You will be offered information about specialist support services.
  • You may have a support person to accompany you.
  • We will explain what will happen next and keep you informed.
  • Support is available both during and after any investigation.

🟣 What Happens After a Disclosure?

When abuse (or risk of abuse) is disclosed:

  • The concern will be reported to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
  • If appropriate, it will be referred to statutory services (such as police or social care).
  • A safeguarding process will be followed in line with Church of England policy.
  • Risk assessments may be carried out to protect others.
  • Your Personal Information
  • Information will be shared only with those who need to know in order to keep people safe.
  • We handle personal data in accordance with data protection law and Church of England safeguarding guidance.

🟣 Reporting to Statutory Services

Allegations of abuse are reported to:

  • The Police
  • Children’s Social Care
  • Adult Social Care
  • This ensures concerns are investigated by the appropriate authorities.

🟣 Contacting Statutory Services Directly

If you believe you have been abused, or are at risk:

  • In an emergency call 999.
  • For non-emergency police contact call 101.
  • Contact your local authority children’s or adult social care services.
  • You have the right to contact statutory services yourself at any time.

🟣 National Support Services

Stop It Now

www.stopitnow.org.uk | 0808 1000 900

Samaritans

www.samaritans.org | 116 123

NSPCC

www.nspcc.org.uk | 0808 800 5000

MACSAS

www.macsas.org.uk

Survivors Voices

www.survivorsvoices.org

🟣 Local Support

Survivors’ Network

www.survivorsnetwork.org.uk

We are committed to creating a safe and caring church community.

If something is not right, please tell someone.

Nine Bridges Benefice

http://www.9bridges.church

admin@9bridges.church

Contacts

Queries or concerns about safeguarding at any church:

Parish contacts: 

If you have any other concerns related to safeguarding, you can contact Victoria Kellett, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, at 01733 887040 or via email at safeguarding@peterborough-diocese.org.uk.