1. Elswick Parish Church (St Stephen and St Paul), Newcastle upon Tyne, recognises all people owe their existence to God and are dependent upon him for their preservation each day.
2. The church acknowledges mankind was created in and as the image of God and that, from conception to the grave, all people are to be shown care, love and respect.
3. The church recognises all people are accountable to God for all that they think, say and do, including the way they treat others.
4. The church shall promote the spiritual well-being and proper pastoral care of all to whom it ministers.
5. The church shall provide a safe and welcoming environment for children, young people, and adults at risk.
6. The church, through its officers, shall identify those who will take responsibility for work with children, young people, and adults at risk in the church, at least one of whom shall be a current member of the Parochial Church Council (PCC).
7. The church shall ensure all leaders and helpers with access to children, young people, and adults at risk
   (1) have an appropriate certificate of Disclosure of Criminal Convictions, and
   (2) undertake appropriate training.
8. The church recognises that being convicted or bound over for a criminal offence does not automatically debar an individual from working with children, young people, and adults at risk, but it shall ensure, through its officers, that it recruits or makes an appointment safely, following the recognised procedures.
9. The church shall authorise activities carried out on behalf of the PCC for children, young people , and adults at risk and receive an annual report from the leaders.
10. The church shall support, resource and monitor the work of leaders.
11. The church shall maintain records of Information, Health and Parental Consent forms, and the dates and reference numbers of Disclosure and Barring Service Certificates.
12. The church shall make available to all church members, young people, and adults at risk the contact details of a member of the church and the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer who shall be available to give advice on Safeguarding issues.
13. The church shall follow best practice for appropriate health and safety procedures.
14. The church shall work within the guidelines of the Church of England and Diocese of Newcastle in matters relating to Safeguarding.
15. This policy and its implementation shall be reviewed by the PCC each year.

The Parish Safeguarding Officer is: Mrs Judith Sword 019 273 4680

The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser is: Ruth Rogan 0782 516 7016