Safeguarding 

Holy Trinity Bembridge welcomes children, young people and vulnerable adults into our church community.  We want to ensure everyone is kept safe at church, on our premises or attending any event run by us. To this end, we have adopted the House of Bishops’ Child Protection Policy “Protecting all God’s Children” as the basis for our own policy and practice document

If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from the Parish Safeguarding Officer, Christine Behan (email  or call 07724 148 188),  the Vicar or the Church Wardens, a Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (02392 899665) or, report the matter to the Isle of Wight Council Social Services (Adults 01983 823340. Out of hours 01983 821105 or Children 0300 300 0117),  or by email to: safeguardingconcerns@iow.gov.uk or the Police without delay.   If there is deemed to be IMMEDIATE RISK or DANGER please contact the Police on 999.
 

Promoting a Safer Church

We believe that providing a safe environment for children and all adults in church activities is of paramount importance. All church members who work with young people and vulnerable adults are required to sign a personal declaration, provide references and have up to date DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) certification. They are also required to undertake appropriate training with the Diocese of Portsmouth.

As members of the PCC we commit our church community to the support, nurture, protection and safeguarding of all, especially the young and vulnerable. We recognise that our work with children, young people and adults who may be at risk is the responsibility of the whole church community and we are fully committed to acting within current legislation, guidance, nation frameworks and the Diocesan Safeguarding procedures.

Our Safeguarding Policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 11th March 2025. In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy, our church is committed to: 

• Promoting a safer environment and culture
• Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church
• Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
• Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons
• Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons
• Responding to those who may pose a present risk to others.

• Create a safe and caring place for all
• Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and
• the PCC to implement policy and procedures
• Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
• Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish
• Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs
• Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse
• Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately
• Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred
• Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties
• Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
• Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.

Each person who works within this church community has agreed to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church. 
If you would like to contact Christine Behan our Parish Safeguarding Officer, please email or call  07724 148 188.

Alternatively, If you wish to speak to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, there contact details are available here.