SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT ALTON ABBEY
The Benedictine Community of Our Lady and Saint John (Alton Abbey):
Charity Registration Number: 229216
Safeguarding Policy of the Church of England
Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.
Statement of Safeguarding Principles at Alton Abbey
We are committed to:
- The care, nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and all adults;
- The safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and all adults
- The establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where victims of abuse can report or disclose abuse and where they can find support and best practice that contributes to the prevention of abuse
- To this end:
- We will carefully select, support and train all those with any responsibility within the Monastic Community and any employees (paid or voluntary) who may encounter guests and retreatants in the course of their duties, in line with the principles of Safer Recruitment.
- We will respond without delay to every complaint made, that any adult, child or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation.
- We will seek to offer informed pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry that recognises the importance of understanding the needs of those who have been abused, including their feelings of alienation and/or isolation.
- We will seek to protect survivors of abuse from the possibility of further harm and abuse.
- We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of respect and responsibility, where they are trusted by others.
- We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision, and referral to the appropriate authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or adult who is vulnerable. In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice. The Church of England has approved the following safeguarding policies
- Safer Recruitment Practice Guidance 2016
Promoting a Safer Church; House of Bishops policy statement (2017)
Responding well to domestic abuse practice guidance (2017)
https://www.winchester.anglican.org/documents/safeguarding-religious-communities/
Our Religious Community designated safeguarding person is: Prior Andrew JOHNSON
Contact details:
Email: prior@altonabbey.com
Phone: 01420 562145
The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser is: Jackie ROWLANDS
She may be contacted for advice:
Contact details:
Email: safeguarding@winchester.anglican.org
Phone: 01962 737317
Our formal complaints policy, bullying & harassment and whistleblowing policies follow the Diocese of Winchesters Policy please click on the link below: (although this document is currently noted as draft ,it is the current working document)
https://www.winchester.anglican.org/documents/whistleblowing-policy/
There is also current Government Guidance on Whistleblowing, please click on the link below to view for more information:
https://www.gov.uk/whistleblowing
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This safeguarding policy was adopted by The Trustees of Alton Abbey Registered Charity 229216
It will next be reviewed in 2020
Signed: Name (Print): Abbot Giles Hill OSB Abbot Giles Hill
On behalf of the governing body
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