Safeguarding Policy
St James the Less Church have adopted the House of Bishop's 'Promoting a Safer Church' policy and the Parish Safeguarding handbook, incorporating the House of Bishop's Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance, can be found by clicking here.
We also display a the Promoting a Safer Church poster prominently within our church. This is in the entrance hall to church along with relevant phone numbers and contact details.
All those working with children and adults at risk have undergone safer recruitment and received safeguarding training.
Reporting a Concern
If you believe that someone is at risk of immediate harm please call the emergency services on 999.
Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your local Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) in the first instance. Our PSO, Jennifer Brook-Thompson, can be contacted on 07794 464 942 or emailed at jenniferbrookthompson@gmail.com. The PSO can seek further advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team as necessary.
Concerns can also be raised directly with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team
Safeguarding Team Contact Details
Email: safeguarding@blackburn.anglican.org
Tel: (01254) 503088
DSA, Catherine Smith, catherine.smith@blackburn.anglican.org
Assistant DSA, Sophie Booth, sophie.booth@blackburn.anglican.org
Safeguarding Trainer, Andrea Richards, andrea.richards@blackburn.anglican.org
Safeguarding Administrator, Claudia Aspey, claudia.aspey@blackburn.anglican.org
Address: Diocese Office, Clayton House, Walker Office Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2QE
We understand that reporting abuse may be difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the church directly. Below is a list of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services.
Thirty-one: Eight: 0303 003 1111 (out of hours and weekends safeguarding advice)
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)