Safeguarding
Our local contacts
Matt Bodey is the Safeguarding Officer for Orchard Grove Church (matt@orchardgrove.church), and supports Julia McFaul, the Parish Safeguarding Officer (julia.mcf@trullchurch.org.uk) at All Saints Trull.
If you have any questions or concerns about the possible abuse of a child, young person or vulnerable adult, please click ‘Contact Safeguarding’ to send an email to Matt.
If you would like to make a disclosure about a specific instance or situation that may require action or intervention, please click “Make a Disclosure” below, which will go to both Julia and Matt.
Matt is also contactable on 07753326183, and the All Saints Trull church office can be reached on 01823 330812.
If you have acute concerns that a significant and immediate risk is posed to a Child Young Person or Vulnerable Adult you should contact the Police on 999 or 101 or, contact the Local Authority Social Care Service on 0300 123 2224.
Out of hours: 0300 123 23 27 (Children) / 01823 368244 (Adults and Mental Health).
Vision
At Orchard Grove Church we want everyone in church to feel welcome and safe at church whatever their age, stage or style. We are passionate about ministering with and to children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We recognise the vital importance of safeguarding these particular groups of people by protecting them from abuse and being alert to potential abuse happening in other areas of life.
The church is called by God to support the weak and vulnerable in society in particular. Through proper recruitment, training, safeguarding processes, and policies we equip our leaders and volunteers to work safely with these groups of people. The care and protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults is the responsibility of the whole church. We want to be a place that fosters a culture of safeguarding through all of our services, ministries, and activities.
We are committed to the implementation of the Church of England and the Diocese of Bath and Wells’ safeguarding policies and procedures, and the relevant statutory legislation and guidance for the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Our Commitments
Promoting a safe environment and culture
Safely recruiting and supporting all those with 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
Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse
Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
Our Policies
All our policies follow the CofE House of Bishops safeguarding policy, 'Promoting a Safer Church', which can be found here.
All our children leaders, Ministry Leadership Team, Growth Group Leaders, and other key volunteers hold current DBS checks appropriate to their role and receive regular safeguarding training.
Training
Safeguarding training is an important part of what it means to be church family. We each need to take responsibility for the appropriate level of safeguarding training for our volunteer/paid roles. For more information about how to access training, please click below.
Additional Contacts
The Diocesan Safeguarding Manager is Ben Goodhind and he can be contacted on 01749 588917, email ben.goodhind@bathwells.anglican.org.
Safeguarding helpline (in partnership with thirtyone:eight) on 0303 003 1111 .
Further diocesan contacts, resources and policies can be found at https://www.bathandwells.org.uk/diocese/safeguarding/.
The following organisations also provide support for those suffering abuse:
Childline 0800 1111 (for children)
Silverline 0800 470 8090 (for older people)
Somerset Domestic Abuse Service 0800 69 49 999
The Survivors Trust 0808 801 0818
Somerset Mindline 0800 139 1692
Family Lives (formerly Parentline) 0800 800 222