Who to contact if you have a concern:

• Parish Safeguarding Officers – Sue Chandler on 01258 861432 or 07554 425971 or Margaret Davies on 07791 604007
• The Rector – Andrew Gubbins on 01258 721704 ()

If the concern relates to the incumbent or one of the Parish Safeguarding Officers, the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisors can be contacted as follows:

•  Jem Carter: (Tuesday to Friday inclusive and on call Wednesday and Thursday evenings until 9pm) T: 07469 857888 E:
• Suzy Futcher: (Monday to Thursday inclusive and on call Monday and Tuesday evenings until 9pm) T: 07500 664800 E:
• From 5pm Friday until Monday 8am phone our safeguarding cover service – Thrityone:eight 0303 003 11 11

For urgent matters, please dial 999.

The Okeford Benefice Safeguarding Policy – Promoting a Safer Church

The following policy was agreed at the Joint Benefice Council meeting held on 30^th January 2024.  Details of this policy will be shared annually by the four individual parishes at their APCM meetings.

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our churches are committed to:

• Promoting a safer environment and culture.
• Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
• Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
• Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
• Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
• Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.

The Parishes will:

• Create a safe and caring place for all.
• Have a named Benefice/Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCCs to implement policy and procedures.
• Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
• Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parishes.
• Display in church premises and on the Benefice website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
• Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
• Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.
• Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
• Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
• Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
• Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.

Each person who works within these church communities has agreed to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

Sue Chandler was appointed as the Benefice Safeguarding Officer in 2014 and continues in this role.  Margaret Davies was appointed to work alongside Sue Chandler at the Benefice meeting on 9^th July 2024.

Incumbent:        Andrew Gubbins

Churchwardens:  Child Okeford –Simon Baird and Jules Radburn; Hammoon – Charlie Poe and Steve Vestbirk; Okeford Fitzpaine – Christopher Jay and Sue Jay; Shillingstone – Sue Chandler and Lesley Gasson

Date:  30^th January 2024 and updated 9^th July 2024