Safeguarding

What the safeguarding team does

Harbour Churches safeguarding team works for and on behalf of our incumbent Reverend Jonathan Swindells. With the rector we are responsible for all volunteer recruitment, and the safety of people, places, structures, and all activities that happen within Harbour Churches.

All of our volunteers and clergy members understand that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We have all completed Church of England safeguarding training, and where relevant have completed Disclosure and Baring Service checks.

Who the safeguarding team is and how to contact them

Harbour Churches safeguarding officers are Sophie Relf | 07904 193 826 and Lois Smith | 07542 252063.

You can email the safeguarding team via: wwbi.parishoffice@gmail.com

Safeguarding Policy 2022-23 for the Parishes of West Wittering and Birdham with Itchenor

The following policy was agreed by West Wittering PCC and Birdham with Itchenor PCC on 29 June 2022.

As members of this PCC, we are committed to the safeguarding, care, and nurture of all our members.

We recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

We are committed to implementing all safeguarding policies and practice guidance issued by the House of Bishops

We will carefully select and train all those who work or volunteer in positions of trust.  We may use the Disclosure and Barring Service, amongst other tools, to check the background of people as necessary.

We will respond, without delay, to every concern made that a person for whom we are responsible may have been harmed. 

We will co-operate fully with statutory agencies during any investigation concerning a member of the church community.

We will seek to ensure that anyone for whom we have pastoral responsibility who has suffered abuse is offered support that meets their needs.

We will respond appropriately to those who have committed sexual offences who wish to join our fellowship, following House of Bishop’s guidance and the advice of the Safeguarding Team.

We will review this policy annually and as part of this process will ensure that all our procedures, particularly in relation to the Disclosure and Barring Service, are up to date.