Safeguarding

Safeguarding

Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

The Parish of Oxton is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. This is done in a coordinated and supported manner and involves our Church’s safeguarding team, the parish’s priests and the Diocesan safeguarding team.

The parish’s safeguarding team are:

  • Miss Jan Taylor (Parish Safeguarding Officer)
  • Mrs Lis Lane
  • The Revd Dr Joe Kennedy (Vicar)

What to do if you have a safeguarding concern:

The care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of the Church. 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 without delay.

Members of our safeguarding team are available to talk to anyone who has a safeguarding concern about a child, young person or any adult who may be at risk. You can contact the team by email at safeguarding@oxtonstsaviour.co.uk, or by telephoning the Vicarage at (0151) 652 2402. Concerns brought to a member of our safeguarding team will be diligently and promptly responded to according to our procedures, recognising the sensitivity it may hold for those involved.

The Diocese of Chester takes its responsibilities for safeguarding very seriously. Anyone who wishes to come forward with information or to make a disclosure is encouraged to make direct contact with the diocesan safeguarding team on 01928 718834 ext 266 (between the hours of 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday) or by email at safeguarding@chester.anglican.org

In addition, Chester Diocese has arranged a telephone listening service which offers the chance for adult survivors of abuse to talk about their experiences in detail and in confidence with a sensitive listener. Further information on this service can be found here.

If a child or adult is at immediate risk or danger, or if you are seeking urgent advice during out-of-hours, then you should contact Wirral social care services or the local police. For the social care services:

  • telephone (0151) 606 2008 for Children’s Services;
  • telephone (0151) 606 2006 for Adult Services;
  • telephone (0151) 677 6557 for both children’s and adult services, out of hours.

For the local police, telephone 101. In an emergency, call 999.

Our parish’s safeguarding policy:

Our parish has a Safeguarding Policy. This policy was last reviewed and approved in May 2022. It can be read by clicking here.

The policy is available for inspection at our Parish Office. There is a copy publicly available also:

  • on the Safeguarding Noticeboard in our Parish Centre;
  • at our Parish Church; and
  • at St Andrew’s Centre.

All those working with children, young people or adults at risk in regulated activity require a DBS disclosure as part of the safer recruitment procedures which are in place in our parish in line with diocesan guidelines.