Safeguarding Contacts
The Safeguarding Officer for St John the Baptist, Moulsford is Mrs Rosemary Garner
07548 196069
The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser is Erica Hegg
07341 866832
erica.hegg@oxford.anglican.org
Safeguarding Policy
The following policy is reviewed annually by the PCC and was last approved on 30th June 2025.
- The PCC is committed to:
- the care, nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children and all adults;
- the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable;
- the establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is a culture of ‘informed vigilance’ as to the dangers of abuse.
- The PCC will carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with safer recruitment principles, including the use of DBS and ensure all those with responsible roles are trained in accord with diocesan policy.
- The PCC will respond without delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed, co-operating with the police and local authority in any investigation and we will have a clear reporting procedure in place.
- The PCC will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with him or her an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.
- The PCC will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.
- The PCC will seek to offer care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.
- In all these principles the PCC will follow statute, guidance and recognised good practice.
- The PCC will advise the Oxford Diocese which Registered Body we use to process applications for DBS.
- The PCC will advise the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser if it receives a Disclosure which is ‘blemished’ or ‘positive’.
- The PCC will review this policy at the September/October meeting each year.
- The PCC has appointed Rosemary Garner as its Safeguarding Officer and Verifier.
Policy for ex-offenders
The following policy was adopted by the PCC at its meeting held on 25th March, 2024.
This policy is applied to local churches in England and Wales with a view to support their local safer recruitment processes. The DBS code of practice, published under section 122 of the Police Act 1997, makes it a requirement that DBS applicants who have a criminal record are treated fairly and are not discriminated against because of a conviction or other information revealed in a DBS check. The code also obliges bodies that undertake checks to have a written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders; a copy of which can be given to DBS applicants at the outset of the recruitment process.
St John Baptist Church, Moulsford complies fully with the DBS code of practice when accessing an applicant’s suitability for positions within the church which are included in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and to not discriminate against any subject of a criminal record check based on convictions or other information revealed. St John Baptist Church will only request that an individual disclose details of convictions or cautions that we are legally entitled to know about. Where the position advertised is included in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order, a DBS certificate at either a basic or enhanced level can legally be requested. Where a position falls within the legal definition of a “regulated” activity, a check against the Barred Lists for Children and Adults will also be undertaken. St John Baptist Church will only ask potential candidates about convictions and cautions that are not protected in law. We actively promote equality of opportunity for all and encourage applications from a wide range of candidates, including those with criminal records and regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependents, age, physical/mental disability or offending background. We select all candidates for interview based on their skills, qualifications and experience. St John Baptist Church will only make an application for a criminal record check through the DBS service where the law indicates that this is proportionate and necessary to the position advertised, such as those roles which involve working with children and adults at risk in a regulated or unregulated activity. Where this is the case, application forms, job adverts and recruitment information will contain explicit reference to the fact that this position requires a criminal record check in the event that the applicant is offered the position. At interview or during an appropriate discussion, St John Baptist Church will ensure that an open conversation takes places with the applicant regarding any offences or other information that may be relevant to the position. Failure of the applicant to share any information that is relevant to the position sought may result in the withdrawal of an offer of employment or voluntary position. St John Baptist Church ensures that all those who are involved with the recruitment process have been suitably trained to identify and assess the relevance and circumstances of offences. St John Baptist Church will also ensure that they have received appropriate training and guidance in the relevant legislation and understand the importance of confidentiality throughout the recruitment process. St John Baptist Church will discuss any matter revealed on a DBS certificate with the individual seeking the position before a decision is made whether to continue with the offer of employment. A risk assessment will be conducted with the applicant and only in cases where the disclosure impacts upon the applicant’s ability to safely hold the offer of employment will it be withdrawn. This is provided that the information revealed has been brought to St John Baptist Church ’s attention prior to disclosure being received. St John Baptist Church makes every subject of a criminal record check submitted to DBS aware of the existence of the code of practice, and makes a copy available on request.
Church of England Statements and Resources
Promoting a Safer Church is the Church of England's safeguarding policy for children, young people and adults.
A comprehensive statement of the Key Roles and Responsibilities of Church Office Holders and Bodies Practice Guidance, including the responsibilities of a PCC and incumbent have been provided and are published on the Church of England's Safeguarding Policies and practice guidance page.
For a statement from the Church of England in relation to the Professional Conduct of the Clergy, please see Appendix 3: Safeguarding and relevant documents.
Further resources and information is available on the 'A safer church' website.
And on the Safeguarding page of the Diocese of Oxford website.
Other help
Call Childline on 0800 1111 - a free 24h confidential helpline for children and young people.
Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247