Policy Statement for St. Swithin’s Church, Thorley

for the Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults 

The Parochial Church Council of Thorley recognises that when we work with children, young people and vulnerable adults the whole church community is responsible for acting within current legislation.  We will follow the guidance of The Diocese of Portsmouth safeguarding procedures and endeavour to act in an open, transparent and accountable way.  We will work with Children and Adult Social Care Services, the Police, the Probation Services and other agencies to safeguard children and vulnerable adults and assist in bringing to justice anyone who has committed an offence against them.   

1. Where we are in a position to recruit ordained or lay ministers, paid workers and volunteers who may have contact with children, young people and vulnerable adults, we will provide the necessary supervision, support and training to them in order that they can undertake their roles effectively. 

2. We will respond without delay to every concern raised that a child, young person or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, or be at risk from harm, or about the behaviour of an adult of child. 

3. We will fully co-operate with the Diocese and appropriate statutory agencies during any investigation into abuse, including when allegations are made against a member of the church community. 

4. We will ensure that pastoral care is made available to children and vulnerable adults and their families and to any member of our church community against whom an allegation is made. 

5. We will ensure, in partnership with the Diocese and other agencies, that care and supervision is provided for any member of our church community known to have offended against a child or vulnerable adult, or to pose a risk to them. 

6. We are committed to reviewing our policy annually, and as part of this, we will check that our parish safeguarding procedures are up-to-date and relevant. 

Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Miss Christine Robbins Tel: 07857 279906 and email: chris.newtownchurch@gmail.com.

The Portsmouth Diocese Safeguarding Officers: Emily, Claire, Andy, Theresa, Daisy, Karen and Chloe can be contacted on 023 9289 9665 during normal working hours and by email on safeguarding@portsmouth.anglican.org.

If you need to call out of hours, our safeguarding service is called "31-8" and is available on weekdays from 7am – 9am & from 5pm – 12am and on weekends from 7am – 12am, telephone 0303 003 1111 and choose option 2.

Our Isle of Wight Council advice is that in an emergency always contact the police on 999 and if you are worried about a child or young person who could be in danger contact 01983 823435, this number is available 24 hours per day.

(Revised: 31st May, 2025)