Safeguarding is the care and nurture of all our members, particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults. We recognise that this is the responsibility of the whole church community. Holy Trinity has a clear policy relating to Safeguarding that can be viewed and downloaded here.
The PCC is committed to the diocesan Simple Quality Protects programme and to the appropriate screening, using the Disclosure and Baring Service, and adequate training of all staff and volunteers working with young people and vulnerable adults. Holy Trinity received its Certificate of attainment of Level One of this programme on 27/01/2020. Further information about the diocesan programme and the approach of the Church of England to safeguarding generally can be found at https://safeguarding.chichester.anglican.org/whatdoidoif/ and https://safeguarding.chichester.anglican.org/links/.
We are committed to maintaining a safe environment for all members of our community. If you have any concerns about any safeguarding issues please contact our Parish Safeguarding Coordinator, Rod Montague (01444 410453), his deputy, Robyn Brotherton (07887 922307), the vicar (01444 454007) or one of the churchwardens (Jane Coan 01444 617158 or Brian Cutler 01444 412790).
Safeguarding Policies
We have a number of policies related to safeguarding that can be viewed and downloaded from this website:
Safeguarding Policy
Recruitment Procedure
Equal Opportunities
Handling, Safe Keeping and Disposal of Disclosure Information
E-Safety
Expressing Concerns and Whistleblowing
Responding to Safeguaring Allegations
Codes of Behaviour:
Model Home Visiting Risk Assessment Checklist
Safeguarding Contract
Job Description proforma
Activities Risk Assessment
Safe Space Checks
The suite of Safeguarding policies is also maintained in the Church Office and in the Vestry for reference.
How to raise a concern about an adult
If you think the danger is immediate phone the police now on 999!
If it is less urgent, you can either:
- phone Sussex Police on 101
- use the West Sussex online adult safeguarding alert form
- phone Adults’ CarePoint on 01243 642121
Local support for people suffering domestic abuse
IPEH (Integrated Prevention and Earliest Help Service) WORTH Specialist Domestic Abuse Service supports people at high risk of harm or homicide as a result of domestic abuse.
They have teams of IDVAs (independent domestic violence advisors) across West Sussex who work to identify, assess and assist people at risk. If you would like support, or to refer someone for support, use the West Sussex referral form or the contact details below.
Email: DomesticAbuseServicesCentral@westsussex.gov.uk
Tel: 07834 968539 or 033 022 28181
Local support for mental health concerns
How to raise a concern about a child
If you think a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.
Contact West Sussex if it is less urgent and you are worried about the welfare of a child or children under 18 years of age living in West Sussex. For example, you may want us to make sure a child is safe or tell us about a child’s general welfare.
Contact West Sussex by:
- Email mash@westsussex.gcsx.gov.uk
- Tel: 01403 229900
Phone: 033 022 26664 out of office hours (5.00pm-8.00am weekdays) and for emergencies at weekends and bank holidays (24 hours). When you contact West Sussex you will speak to a qualified social worker.
Alternatively, you can contact the NSPCC
Report abuse: Contact the helpline if you’re worried about a child and speak to one of our counsellors. Call on 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk
For help relating to E-Safety please see: https://childline.org.uk or https://kidscape.org.uk
Safe Spaces – A service for victims and survivors of church-related abuse
Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service for anyone who has experienced abuse in relation to the Church of England, the Church in Wales, or the Catholic Church of England and Wales. This could be abuse by someone who holds any role in the church or is linked to participating in a church-led activity or group. If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You do not need to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church. Your information will not be shared without your consent, unless you or someone else is in immediate danger. Safe Spaces can provide a range of help, including advocating with authorities and other agencies, giving emotional support, providing information (including information on church and police procedures), understanding your needs and working together on individual support plans.
- Tel: 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)
- Email: safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk
- LiveChat – via the Safe Spaces website
The Parish Safeguarding Coordinator is Rod Montague (01444 410453).
The Deputy Safeguarding Coordinator is Robyn Brotherton (07887 922307).
