Our Commitments
- Endeavour to create a safe and caring place for all.
- Have a named local Safeguarding Officer to work with the incumbent and the Chaplaincy Council to implement policy and procedures.
- Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
- Where possible, ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the chaplaincy.
- Display in church premises and on the chaplaincy website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
- Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
- Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops’ guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and local child and/or adult services immediately.
- Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
- Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
- Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, procedures and practices at least annually.
Roles & Responsibilities
The Chaplain
Has overall responsibility for safeguarding.
The Wardens
Have a particular responsibility to support the chaplain in ensuring that procedures are carried out, and in the event of a vacancy will take overall responsibility.
The Chaplaincy Council
Has a responsibility to review the policy and ensure that it is being implemented. Each council member will need to do safeguarding training. The policy and implementation must be reviewed every year.
The Chaplaincy Safeguarding Officer
Responsible for the implementation of safeguarding in the Chaplaincy. They will identify who needs to be checked and who needs training, verify identity, ensure that checks have been done and are up to date (renewed every 3 years), take up references when required, and ensure that people have undergone the relevant training.
Diocesan Safeguarding Team
We are supported by a team of safeguarding professionals at the Diocesan office. Should you have concerns or queries that cannot be answered by church officers at St. Andrew’s, please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, Bridgett Fenton: europe.safeguarding@churchofengland.org
Self-Declaration
Everyone who works with children or young people will be asked to fill in a declaration form, given to them by the safeguarding officer.
Background Checks
All who hold positions of leadership will be required to submit evidence that they have no history which may make them unsuitable. This includes police checks from all countries in which they have resided for longer than 6 months in the last 10 years.
Training
All who work with children, young people, or vulnerable adults must undergo safeguarding training. Training is available at europe.anglican.org. Additional training is provided for those with special responsibilities.
Good Practice
We have good practice guidelines which we expect everyone to follow. The safeguarding officer or children’s leaders will ensure all new volunteers are familiar with them. Guidelines are reviewed regularly.
Deterrence
Citizens of and foreigners who live in the Russian Federation need to remember that crimes against children are taken very seriously and this is reflected in sentences passed by the courts. When it is necessary to protect children or vulnerable adults we will work together with local law enforcement authorities.
Reporting Suspected Abuse
Everyone has a responsibility to be vigilant in spotting incidents of abuse. If you become aware of abuse in any form, please tell the Chaplain or the Safeguarding Officer.
The Safeguarding Officer can be contacted at safeguarding@standrewsmoscow.org
The Safeguarding Officer can be contacted at safeguarding@standrewsmoscow.org
Requirements for Children’s Workers & Volunteers
- A completed St. Andrew’s declaration form, together with evidence of your identity (passport and registration form)
- Two references from people who have known you and your work, and who can vouch for your suitability for work with children and young people
- A certificate to show that you have completed the online safeguarding training
- Evidence that you are familiar with our good practice guidelines
- Those seeking positions of responsibility will also need police checks from all countries of residence (6+ months) and may require additional training
- Those seeking licensed or official roles within the Diocese in Europe will be required to complete a Diocesan Declaration form with equivalent checks
If a person has not been known to either the chaplain or one of