A safer church for all

Everyone who participates in the life of the Lightwave Community 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 diocesan Growing in God strategy. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

It is our policy to:

• Promote a safe environment and culture;

• Safely recruit and support all those with any responsibility relating to those groups who are at increased risk of harm or abuse within the church;

• Respond promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation;

• Care pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons;

• Care pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons;

• Respond to those who may pose a present risk to others.

The Lightwave Community has adopted the Church of England's House of Bishops' Safeguarding Policy, Promoting a Safer Church, with more details in the Parish Safeguarding Handbook, Addendum and Roles and Responsibilities Practice Guidance. Our volunteers who work with young people or vulnerable adults are DBS checked and receive Safeguarding training. We review our Safeguarding Policy and practice each year.