Safeguarding
What is safeguarding?
‘Safeguarding’ means the action we take to promote a safer culture in our church. We are committed to providing a welcoming, respectful and safe environment for all, including children and adults who may be at risk of abuse and neglect.
Looking after our young singers is our highest priority. No other activity will take precedence over ensuring their safety and well-being. We follow best practice at all times, and regularly revise our procedures to look for ways to improve them. Any expression of concern will be listened to and handled correctly and promptly.
Policies and documents
St. Peter’s Choral Foundation is an organisation which operates within St. Peter’s Church, part of the Bournemouth Town Centre Parish (BTCP). We share one set of parish safeguarding policies and procedures. These are available from the links below:
BTCP Safeguarding Policy Statement
Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance
Bournemouth Town Centre Parish is part of the Diocese of Winchester within the Church of England. Our Safeguarding Policy should be read in conjunction with the Winchester Diocese Policy and Practice Guidance which can be found on their website at www.winchester.anglican.org/safeguarding/
National Church of England policy and documents can be found at www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/policy-and-practice-guidance
If you need a printed copy of any of these documents, please contact the Parish Office who will arrange this for you.
Who to contact?
Immediate Risk – If you are concerned that a child or vulnerable adult may be at immediate risk, contact the Police by calling 999.
The St. Peter’s Safeguarding Officer is Neil Bichard who can be reached via the Parish Office on 01202 290986 or at safeguarding@btcp.org.uk.
If you need to speak to someone outside St. Peter’s, you can register a concern with the Winchester Diocese Safeguarding Team on 01962 737317 or by emailing safeguarding@winchester.anglican.org
Diocesan Out of Hours Service – If you need immediate advice or help on Monday to Friday 6pm–8am, at weekends, and on Bank Holidays, telephone 0300 555 1373.