Our benefice works to encourage a safe environment for children and also for adults at risk (previously vulnerable adults) who visit, worship or are employed at our churches in this benefice. The PCC’s of our churches consider the care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in church activities is the responsibility of the whole church. Everyone who participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.

Safeguarding is an integral part of the mission and ministry of the church in this diocese and is in line with the diocese Growing in God strategy. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

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Our Safeguarding Policy has been agreed by the Benefice Joint Council on behalf of our PCC's and you can read i here: Safeguarding Policy which also contains our response procedure.

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In order to fulfill the above policy the diocese provides facilities to complete online DBS applications and to provide appropriate levels of safeguarding training in order to raise awareness and create an atmosphere of ‘informed vigilance’.

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Our churches align with the policy set out by the diocese of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich. For more information, please visit http://www.cofesuffolk.org/safeguarding or if you have a concern the diocese provides a list of agencies you might like to contact: http://www.cofesuffolk.org/concerns-and-contacts

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In our benefice Hilary Hill is the safeguarding officer for the parishes of Grundisburgh, Hasketon, Burgh and Boulge. Karin Upson for Ashbocking, Clopton, Swilland and Otley. For Culpho the contact is Christine Pearce. Please contact them on safeguarding matters via the email Safeguarding@carlfordchurches.org. You may also contact our Rector.

However, if there is an immediate concern for a person, please go directly to the emergency services.

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Updated October 2022