Safeguarding

Parish Safeguarding Policy Statement
The Parochial Church Council of the Parish of The Lighthouse Church (St. Luke’s), Hawkinge has adopted the safeguarding policies and procedures of the Church of England. Updated July 2026

In particular we 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 Parish will:  

·       Create a safe and caring place for all.

·       Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC 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 parish.

·       Display in church premises and on the Parish 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 this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

Our Parish Safeguarding Coordinator is Rev. Robert Grinsell

Our Parish Safeguarding Officers are Maggie Smithard, June Edney and Allyson Edwards

For more information (or to speak with our Safeguarding Coordinator, Vicar or one of the Church Wardens), please contact us via the church office in the first instance.

We work in partnership with Canterbury Diocese to safeguard the vulnerable.

Authorised Listeners are available to anyone in our parish who wishes to discuss their experiences of past abuse. The listener will provide an attentive and attuned ear to help individuals reflect on their feelings, assist in thinking about their next step and generally provide them with support.

The Diocese has appointed a group of Authorised Listeners, all of whom are qualified professionals with counselling experience. They are able to offer up to 4 sessions free of charge. A request for an Authorised Listener should be made via the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers;

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