Safeguarding
At Christ Church, we take the safeguarding of children, young people, and vulnerable adults extremely seriously. Our commitment to creating a safe and caring environment is rooted in the Church of England Safeguarding Policy, and we are dedicated to promoting a culture where all individuals are protected from harm.
Our Commitment
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy, we are committed to:
- Promoting a Safer Environment: Creating and maintaining a church environment where everyone feels safe and protected.
- Safe Recruitment and Support: Ensuring that all individuals with responsibilities involving children, young people, and vulnerable adults are thoroughly vetted, trained, and supported in their roles.
- Prompt and Effective Response: Addressing all safeguarding concerns or allegations swiftly, ensuring a professional and compassionate response.
- Pastoral Care for Victims/Survivors: Offering support to those who have experienced abuse, as well as those affected by it, while maintaining confidentiality and respect for all involved.
- Support for Alleged Perpetrators: Providing pastoral care for individuals who are the subject of concerns or allegations, and ensuring they are treated fairly, while safeguarding others.
- Managing Risk: Taking necessary actions to safeguard anyone who may pose a risk to others, while maintaining the safety and well-being of all members of our community.
Our Responsibilities
St Cuthbert’s Parish is committed to:
- Creating a Safe, Caring Environment: We strive to ensure that our church is a welcoming place where all individuals, regardless of age or vulnerability, feel secure and respected.
- Appointment of a Safeguarding Officer: The Parish has appointed a dedicated Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), who works with our vicar and the Parochial Church Council (PCC) to implement safeguarding policies and practices effectively.
- Training and Support: We ensure that all those in roles of responsibility undergo safe recruitment processes, receive regular safeguarding training, and feel confident in recognising and responding to concerns.
- Insurance Coverage: We maintain appropriate insurance for all activities involving children and adults in the parish to ensure safety and protection for all involved.
- Clear Contact Information: Safeguarding contact details are prominently displayed at our church premises and on our website, ensuring those in need of support or wishing to raise concerns can do so easily and with confidence.
- Listening and Responding: We take all concerns seriously, listening carefully to those who disclose abuse and ensuring their voices are heard and acted upon appropriately.
- Swift Response to Concerns: Should any safeguarding concern arise, we follow House of Bishops guidance, ensuring that all statutory agencies and the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) are notified immediately.
- Ongoing Support for Survivors: We offer ongoing care for victims/survivors of abuse, regardless of when or where the abuse occurred.
- Monitoring and Confidentiality: We provide ongoing care for any individuals in our community who may pose a risk, ensuring that appropriate confidentiality is maintained while prioritising the safety of all involved.
- Annual Review of Safeguarding Policies: We review and update our safeguarding policies, procedures, and practices at least once a year to ensure they are effective and in line with best practices.
- Health & Safety Procedures: We ensure that health and safety policies, risk assessments, and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed to maintain a safe environment.
Diocese of Durham Safeguarding Policy
St Cuthbert’s Church fully adopts the Diocese of Durham’s Safeguarding Policy, which aligns with national safeguarding standards. For more information on the Diocese's policies and procedures, please visit:
Safeguarding Concerns
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult, or if you suspect abuse or harm, we encourage you to report your concern immediately.
You can contact our Safeguarding Team directly:
- Rev John Estall (Vicar)
- Email: revjohn@standrews-chiltonmoor.church
- Phone: 0191 388 2228
- Mobile: 07525 478336
- Mr David McGregor
- Phone: 0191 388 3592
Alternatively, you can contact the Diocese of Durham for advice and support:
- Beth Miller (Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser)
- Address: Cuthbert House, Stonebridge, Durham DH1 3RY
- Email: beth@bethmillerisw.co.uk or beth.miller@durham.anglican.org
- Mobile: 07968 034075
If you wish to report an allegation of abuse, whether recent or historical, we will handle the information with the utmost care, treating all disclosures with the seriousness they deserve and ensuring your confidentiality is respected.
Your Safety is Our Priority
At Christ Church, we are committed to providing a safe environment for everyone. We invite you to reach out if you need support, have concerns, or want to learn more about how we protect the vulnerable in our community. Together, we can create a safer place for all.
Christ Church, Great Lumley
- Creating a Safe, Caring Environment: We strive to ensure that our church is a welcoming place where all individuals, regardless of age or vulnerability, feel secure and respected.
- Appointment of a Safeguarding Officer: The Parish has appointed a dedicated Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), who works with our vicar and the Parochial Church Council (PCC) to implement safeguarding policies and practices effectively.
- Training and Support: We ensure that all those in roles of responsibility undergo safe recruitment processes, receive regular safeguarding training, and feel confident in recognising and responding to concerns.
- Insurance Coverage: We maintain appropriate insurance for all activities involving children and adults in the parish to ensure safety and protection for all involved.
- Clear Contact Information: Safeguarding contact details are prominently displayed at our church premises and on our website, ensuring those in need of support or wishing to raise concerns can do so easily and with confidence.
- Listening and Responding: We take all concerns seriously, listening carefully to those who disclose abuse and ensuring their voices are heard and acted upon appropriately.
- Swift Response to Concerns: Should any safeguarding concern arise, we follow House of Bishops guidance, ensuring that all statutory agencies and the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) are notified immediately.
- Ongoing Support for Survivors: We offer ongoing care for victims/survivors of abuse, regardless of when or where the abuse occurred.
- Monitoring and Confidentiality: We provide ongoing care for any individuals in our community who may pose a risk, ensuring that appropriate confidentiality is maintained while prioritising the safety of all involved.
- Annual Review of Safeguarding Policies: We review and update our safeguarding policies, procedures, and practices at least once a year to ensure they are effective and in line with best practices.
- Health & Safety Procedures: We ensure that health and safety policies, risk assessments, and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed to maintain a safe environment.
Diocese of Durham Safeguarding Policy
St Cuthbert’s Church fully adopts the Diocese of Durham’s Safeguarding Policy, which aligns with national safeguarding standards. For more information on the Diocese's policies and procedures, please visit:
Safeguarding Concerns
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult, or if you suspect abuse or harm, we encourage you to report your concern immediately.
You can contact our Safeguarding Team directly:
- Rev John Estall (Vicar)
- Email: revjohn@standrews-chiltonmoor.church
- Phone: 0191 388 2228
- Mobile: 07525 478336
- Mr David McGregor
- Phone: 0191 388 3592
Alternatively, you can contact the Diocese of Durham for advice and support:
- Beth Miller (Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser)
- Address: Cuthbert House, Stonebridge, Durham DH1 3RY
- Email: beth@bethmillerisw.co.uk or beth.miller@durham.anglican.org
- Mobile: 07968 034075
If you wish to report an allegation of abuse, whether recent or historical, we will handle the information with the utmost care, treating all disclosures with the seriousness they deserve and ensuring your confidentiality is respected.
Your Safety is Our Priority
At Christ Church, we are committed to providing a safe environment for everyone. We invite you to reach out if you need support, have concerns, or want to learn more about how we protect the vulnerable in our community. Together, we can create a safer place for all.
Christ Church, Great Lumley
- Rev John Estall (Vicar)
- Email: revjohn@standrews-chiltonmoor.church
- Phone: 0191 388 2228
- Mobile: 07525 478336
- Mr David McGregor
- Phone: 0191 388 3592
Alternatively, you can contact the Diocese of Durham for advice and support:
- Beth Miller (Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser)
- Address: Cuthbert House, Stonebridge, Durham DH1 3RY
- Email: beth@bethmillerisw.co.uk or beth.miller@durham.anglican.org
- Mobile: 07968 034075
If you wish to report an allegation of abuse, whether recent or historical, we will handle the information with the utmost care, treating all disclosures with the seriousness they deserve and ensuring your confidentiality is respected.
Your Safety is Our Priority
At Christ Church, we are committed to providing a safe environment for everyone. We invite you to reach out if you need support, have concerns, or want to learn more about how we protect the vulnerable in our community. Together, we can create a safer place for all.
Christ Church, Great Lumley
- Address: Cuthbert House, Stonebridge, Durham DH1 3RY
- Email: beth@bethmillerisw.co.uk or beth.miller@durham.anglican.org
- Mobile: 07968 034075