Safeguarding

Promoting a Safer Church

The Parish of St. Leonard’s
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH
The following policy is to be agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on
the 23^rd October 2025.
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:
Promoting a safer environment and culture.
Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any 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 and other affected persons.
Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse
and other affected persons.
Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
The Parish will:
Create a safe and caring place for all.
Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and
the PCC 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.
Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children
and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
Display in church premises and on the Parish 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 statutory agencies 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.
Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place
and that these are reviewed annually.
Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at
least annually.
Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and
the guidelines established by this church.
This church appoints Josephine Gadsby as the Parish Safeguarding Officer.
Incumbent: Malcolm Ingham.
Churchwarden: John Church
Date: 01.10.25

Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Visitors click here.

Planning your Visit

A Warm Hello

The following information is specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect on a Sunday morning.

Where and When

We meet for our Sunday services in St. Leonard's, Ryton-on-Dunsmore. You can find the plan of our services here. Take a look at the online diary to see what service is happening where and when. We recommend arriving about 10-15 minutes before the service is due to start to ensure you find a parking space in thecarpark next to the church and to find somewhere to sit before the service begins. When you arrive, you should be greeted by someone and handed anything you need to guide you through the service.

We serve tea, coffee and biscuits usually following the service so don't dash off, it is a great way to meet people, or simply take time to find your bearings. All refreshments are free.

Accessibility: There is wheelchair access, and a sound loop for anyone who needs it. Please let one of the Welcome Team know on your arrival and they will help you to get set up.

Our Service

The main service begins with a warm welcome from one of our team members. The service might be led by Malcolm (our Vicar) or one of the lay leaders or even a visiting member of clergy. We will sing a hymn or song, hear a short passage read from the Bible and the leader will then explain what that passage is all about - how God speaks to us through his Word and how we can apply it to our lives. We will pray and join in some responses (you don't have to if you don't feel it is appropriate) and there might be a short symbolic meal called Communion. During the service, there may be a baptism which is when we welcome someone into our Church fellowship and family. Of course, you don't have to do any of these things, they might seem strange the first time you encounter them, so take your time and don't feel any pressure.

bible-1281216 1920

What about my kids?

Children and young people are very welcome in our church buildings and services.

Children stay with their parent or grown-up throughout the service and we provide activities for them if you want - and we really value worshipping God all together as a family.

Children

Getting Connected

Serving and Volunteering

If you want to get involved in the life of the church and help us make Sundays run smoothly, you can sign up to serve on a team.

Get in touch with us to plan your visit

If you would like to come and visit the church beforehand you are more than welcome! Get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you.

Name:

Telephone:

Email Address:
Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.

Leadership


Rev Malcolm Ingham		Leader 2
Vicar of St. Leonard's		Leader Intro

We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at our church.

Best Wishes

Malcolm sig (2)