Safeguarding statement and policy

The Diocese in Europe - Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 75 Rudolph Street, Sliema, Malta 

SAFEGUARDING POLICY 

The protection of children and adults who may be vulnerable from harm is of paramount importance to us.  We will not tolerate abuse in any form.  As a chaplaincy within the Diocese in Europe, we comply fully with the requirements of the Diocese’s Safeguarding Policy* 

We will not in any way tolerate the abuse of children or adults 

Specifically, at Holy Trinity, we are committed to: 

• The care, nurture, and respectful pastoral ministry of all children, young persons and adults 
• The safeguarding and protection of all children, young persons and adults who may be vulnerable 
• The establishing of a safe, caring community which provides a loving environment where there is a culture of ‘informed vigilance’ as to the dangers of abuse 
• The careful selection and training of all those with any positions of responsibility within the Church, including the use of available criminal records disclosures and relevant vetting and barring schemes 
• Preventing abuse or the likelihood of abuse by encouraging and adopting a pro-active stance to safeguarding; responding to the slightest concern whether by rumour, speculation or from an anonymous source – every safeguarding concern will be taken seriously 
• Ensuring that any safeguarding concern is passed on to the appropriate person(s) in the  Diocesan Safeguarding Team as there are no legal barriers to sharing such concerns 
• Responding without delay to every complaint made which suggests that a child, young person or adult may have been harmed – co-operating with the police, relevant local agencies and any other relevant body (eg other faith groups) in any investigation 
• Seeking to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care 
• Seeking to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust 
• Seeking to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or adult 
• Recognising that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, not just the responsibility of those who hold positions within the Church, whether voluntary or otherwise 
• Ensuring appropriate confidentiality for victims of abuse and those reporting safeguarding concerns 

*For information, you can find the detailed Diocesan policy and how it is implemented across all chaplaincies in this Diocese on the Diocese in Europe website 

Date: 

Signed by the Priest and Churchwardens: 

How do we action our Safeguarding Policy? 

The information below will help you to understand what we do – and how you can help in reporting any suspected safeguarding issues.  

What do we mean by ‘Abuse’? 

The groups of concern include children and young people under the age of 18 who are vulnerable because of their age and life experience and also adults who may be vulnerable for a variety of reasons including a disability, an illness or their advanced years.  The nature of the abuse can include playing on people’s emotions, neglecting their needs, physical or sexual assault,  cultural abuse (eg due to race or religious beliefs) and financial abuse. 

People with special responsibilities 

This Chaplaincy has appointed a Safeguarding Officer who is responsible for the overall co-ordination of safeguarding in this Chaplaincy.  If you have any questions or concerns about our safeguarding policy or any worries about someone potentially being abused, in the first instance contact: 

Holy Trinity Church on htsliema75@gmail.com or on (+356) 27335231 

Or speak to either of  the Churchwardens 

Any issues (which will be treated in absolute confidence) will then be passed on to the Safeguarding Officer so that they can get back to you to discuss your concerns. 

People in our Chaplaincy who work with children and vulnerable adults 

People who work with children and adults who may be vulnerable may be required to be checked to ensure that they have no history which may make them unsuitable for that role.  The Chaplaincy complies with the Diocesan requirements for such checks. 

Other groups who use our premises 

Other (ie non Chaplaincy) groups who use our premises for activities involving children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable must either: 

• Have their own policy in place which must include all of the Diocesan requirements; or 
• Commit themselves to following our policy at all times whilst using our premises. 

Reporting suspected abuse 

Everyone has a responsibility to be vigilant in spotting incidents of abuse.  If you become aware of abuse in any form (no matter how seemingly trivial) please use the contact details above in the first instance or tell the Priest in Charge, the Churchwardens, Area Dean or Archdeacon as soon as you can. 

If you would prefer, you can call the confidential Diocesan telephone line and leave a message as to your concerns - +44 (0) 207 898 1163.  The Diocesan Safeguarding Team will get back to you as soon as possible. 

The Diocese will then ensure that the concerns are properly investigated and will let you know the outcome. 

In addition, it is of course your right and duty as a citizen to inform the local law enforcement agencies where you believe a criminal offence has been committed.