In the Parish of Solihull we take care to look after all members of the church in particular the safeguarding of our children, young people and vulnerable adults. We follow the policies and procedures for safeguarding of the House of Bishops and the Diocese. Our policies and contact details are below the Noticeboard section of this page.
Safeguarding from 17th November 2024
The headline news and comment surrounding the publication of the Makin Report, and the subsequent resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, reveals the devastating effect of abuse made so much worse by institutional failure.
Our first thoughts must be for all victims and survivors of abuse.
At the same time, it is important to restate our ongoing determination to make parish safeguarding the priority it should be.
In this we are committed:
To deal with any safeguarding concerns or disclosures well (professionally, in a timely manner, making referrals when appropriate).
To offer care and support to any who have been affected by abuse, whatever form it may have taken.
To have and follow robust practices and procedures, including ‘safer recruitment’ of all employees and volunteers.
To foster a strong safeguarding culture through teaching and training.
This also includes a determination to listen well and to learn from the mistakes of the past.
Our Bishop of Birmingham, Michael Volland writes:
“This is a challenging time for victims and survivors of abuse. I believe that the Church of England is committed to being a safe place for all, with safeguarding a priority of the highest order. With the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury highlighting our commitment and our past failings as a national church, be assured the Church of England Birmingham will continue to strive to create and maintain a safeguarding culture and processes in which all can know that they are safe, and all voices are recognised.
I encourage us to hold victims and survivors of abuse in prayer, now and always, and to honour and learn from their examples of courage and bravery. Please also pray for the clergy, lay leaders and congregations of the wider Church of England, and the diverse communities we are called to serve in Jesus’ name.”
Noticeboard
Raising Concerns
Anybody who has concerns, allegations or safeguarding queries should contact the Parish Safeguarding Contact Pam Price on 07913 260868 or contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser Steph Haynes at StephH@cofebirmingham.com or call 07342 993844.
For very serious concerns which require immediate action please phone the police.
All concerns and allegations will be treated confidentially. Church members should not discuss concerns with others before reporting in accordance with our procedures and common practice across all similar organisations.
Children and young people who wish to discuss any concerns regarding church life, however minor, can contact our Children’s/Youth Advocate Linda Hicks, Director of Children’s and Families Ministry, on 07838 670772.
SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYBODY’S RESPONSIBILITY
· To safeguard others and yourself
· To raise concerns
Useful Contacts
Childline Children and young people 0808 11 11 Childline
NSPCC Children and young people 0808 800 5000 NSPCC
Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 801 0327
National Domestic Violence helpline 0808 2000 247
Safeguarding – Church of England Birmingham
You can find resources on Safeguarding from the Diocesan team, as well as contact details for the relevant officers, here.