Safeguarding
The churches of The Benefice are part of the Diocese of Oxford in the Church of England, whose Archbishops, Bishops, clergy and leaders are absolutely committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church.
Safeguarding means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means we will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, work to prevent abuse from occurring, seek to protect those that are at risk of being abused and respond well to those that have been abused. We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others, and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks.
The Church of England affirms the ‘Whole Church’ approach to safeguarding. This approach encompasses a commitment to consistent policy and practice across all Church bodies, Church Officers and that everyone associated with the Church, who comes into contact with children, young people and adults, has a role to play.
The Church will take appropriate steps to maintain a safer environment for all and to practice fully and positively Christ’s Ministry towards children, young people and adults; to respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help keep them safe from harm.
The ministers and PCCs of the churches in the benefice take our responsibility to safeguard all Gods people very seriously. Each of the three Churches have adopted the Church of Englands national policy for Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults entitled ‘promoting a safer church’. You can find our safeguarding policy here.
Safeguarding Officer
Although safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone here in The Benefice, Jenny Fisken is our designated Safeguarding Lead and can be contacted about any safeguarding matter by emailing safeguarding@thebenefice.uk
Jenny Fisken
Benefice Safeguarding Officer
07805323199
THE DIOCESAN SAFEGUARDING TEAM
The Diocese of Oxford is committed to responding to safeguarding concerns, providing advice if you are not sure what to do, and supporting survivors in an efficient and effective way.
If someone is in immediate danger:
If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger, or requires immediate medical attention, call emergency services on 999.
If there is no risk of immediate harm:
If you do not think there is a risk of immediate harm, you must speak to an official about your concern as soon as possible. When first reporting a concern, please be sure to make contact using the information shown here.
During office hours
Call 01865 208 295 or email safeguardingreferrals@oxford.anglican.org for urgent safeguarding concerns Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm and Fri 9am-4.30pm. All phone or email referrals to the safeguarding team must be followed up by completing the Safeguarding referral form (Microsoft Word or as a PDF) and returning it to safeguardingreferrals@oxford.anglican.org.
At other times:
For urgent safeguarding enquiries outside of operational hours, please call our partners Thirtyone:eight on +44 (0) 303 003 1111 for confidential advice, guidance and support.
Don't forget
If you are concerned that a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm, you should approach your local Children's Social Care or Adult's Social Care department.
FINDING SUPPORT
We understand that reporting abuse may be very difficult and distressing and it may add to your hurt by our not being able to immediately assist you. Therefore here are the contact details of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Samaritans Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).
Rights of Women Helpline: 020 7490 0152. Provides women with free legal advice if they have been a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace.
Restored, Ending Violence against Women, is an international Christian alliance working to transform relationships and end violence against women. Find out more
Survivor Support:
Safe Spaces Independent Charity: Phone helpline: 0300 3031056 , e-mail; safespaces@firstlight.org.uk