Safeguarding at St Mary's & St Luke's

We understand safeguarding to be an integral part of the life and ministry of our Church. The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults visiting and participating in Church activities is important to us, everyone who participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a safer church for all.

Safe Spaces

Although the churches have funded the service, it is run independently by the charity Victim Support, who are one of the leading charities providing specialist Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service for anyone who has experienced abuse in relation to the Church of England, the Church in Wales or the Catholic Church of England and Wales. This could be abuse by someone who holds any role at the church or is linked to participating in a church-led activity or group.

If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You do not have to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church. Your information will not be shared without your consent unless you or someone else is in immediate danger.

Church of England Past Cases Review 2 (PCR2)

All parishes are required to participate in a Past Cases Review, commissioned by the Church of England. PCR2, as it is known nationally, is part of the Church's ongoing scrutiny of its handling of past and current safeguarding cases. An Independent Reviewer will be looking at files relating to church officers in this parish, both lay and ordained, past and present.
Individuals who wish to make representations to the PCR2 process, or who need to come forward with information or make any disclosures, are encouraged to make direct contact with the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser. However, recognising that this may not feel safe for those with a lived experience of abuse from within the Church, a dedicated telephone helpline - 0800 80 20 20 - operated independently from the Church, by the NSPCC, has been set up.

Our Responsibility

In March 2019 the PCC adopted the House of Bishops’ National Safeguarding Policy & Practice guidance which has now been formally adopted by the Diocese and throughout the Church of England. You can find out more about the national policies and procedures at www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding . If you have any safeguarding concerns or issues of a safeguarding matter then you can find useful contact information at www.chester.anglican.org/social-responsibility/safeguarding .

Parish Safeguarding Officer

The PCC have appointed Joy Chaplow as our Parish Safeguarding Officer.
She can be contacted on: ‭01270 747908‬ or email: chaplowjoy@gmail.com

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to following the current Church of England Safer Recruitment guidance for the appointment of staff and volunteers:
www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2017-11/safeguarding%20safer_recruitment_practice_guidance_2016.pdf

​All those work with young people and vulnerable adults in our church have an advanced DBS check and supply online Safeguarding Training to the Clergy, PCC Members, Church Officers and Junior Church Leaders.

Policies & Procedures

Click here to see our Safeguarding Policy which is based upon this document the Parish Safeguarding Handbook and this Policy Statement from the House of Bishops

If you have concerns...​

If you have concerns about possible abuse (including allegations):
  • In an emergency, call emergency services 999.
  • If you have concerns always contact the Parish Safeguarding Officer who will inform the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and social services.
  • Keep a record of what happened, your concerns and your actions.
If a child, young person or adult wishes to disclose they have been abused:
  • Do not question or investigate.
  • Do not promise confidentiality; tell them you will need to share the information.
  • Assure them they are not to blame.
  • Tell them what you are going to do and that they will be told what happens.
  • Make careful notes of what is said, record dates, times, events.
  • Report it to the Parish Safeguarding Officer and the Rector.
  • Only tell those who need to know.

Other Contacts

The Rector: Revd Mike Turnbull
Tel: 01270 665742
​Email: revd.mike@stmaryswistaston.org.uk 

Vulnerability and Safeguarding Officer: Pauline Butterfield
Tel 01928 718834 Ext 221 | 07703 800 031 pauline.butterfield@chester.anglican.org

PA to the Vulnerability and Safeguarding Officer: Stephen Ellis
Telephone: 01928 718834 Ext 261 stephen.ellis@chester.anglican.org

Cheshire East Children’s Services
Office hours     0300 123 5012
Out of hours     0300 123 5022

Cheshire East Adult’s Services
Office hours     0300 123 5010
Out of hours     0300123 5022

Police
Emergency       999
Non urgent       101

Action on Elder Abuse -  UK Charity addressing elder abuse within people's own homes (whether by family, friends or paid staff), within sheltered housing, and within care homes and hospitals.
Tel: 0808 808 8141

thirtyone:eight (previously known as CCPAS - The Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service)
Tel: 0303 003 1111

CEOP - Child Exploitation and Online Protection
Tel: 0870 000 3344

ChildLine - Helpline for children
Tel: 0800 1111

Kidscape - UK charity committed to keeping children safe from harm or abuse
Tel: 0207 730 3300

NSPCC - National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
Tel: 0808 800 5000

StopItNow! - Help for anyone who wants to prevent abuse-including if you are worried about your own actions
Tel: 0808 100 0900

Women’s Aid - Free phone 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Tel: 0808 2000 247

Online Safeguarding Training

The Church of England's Safeguarding Training Portal can be accessed here