Sunday, 16th November, is Safeguarding Sunday. Since I arrived in 2023, the culture across the benefice has undergone a positive change regarding safeguarding.  This is a good thing, as it allows us all to share the responsibility. Those who share in leadership have been DBS checked, and nearly everyone who requires safeguarding training has either completed it or is awaiting a place on a course.

This Safeguarding Sunday, I want to focus on the four Rs and four Ws. One of the ways that many of you share responsibility is by understanding and acting on the four Rs and four Ws.  Some of you have approached me with concerns and used the four Rs to ensure that someone receives advice and help very quickly.

Therefore, it is essential to remember that these eight things can genuinely help someone who may be in need.

Recognise

• If approached by someone wishing to share a concern, recognise the importance of responding well in the moment.
• Accept and take seriously what is being said.
• Let the person tell their story, don’t push for information, nor ask leading questions, or interrogate.
• Don’t decide if they are telling the truth; remain non-judgmental, be objective.
• Be alert to signs and symptoms of abuse. If you recognise something that causes you concern, don’t ignore it; respond.

 Respond

• Reassure the individual that they have taken the right step in sharing this information and that they are not to blame.
• Be honest; never make promises to keep what you are being told confidential. Do not tell them that “everything will be alright”.
• Tell them what you will do with the information they have shared, and that they will be kept informed.
• Do not introduce personal information from yourself or others.
• Don’t approach the person about whom allegations have been made.

Record

• Write down, concisely, exactly what is seen, said, or heard and make clear if and where you have added your views or interpretation.
• You may find it helpful to use the 4 Ws.

Refer

• Pass the information to Father Paul, the Parish Safeguarding Officers or even the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. We will quickly determine the next steps in the situation.
• In case of an emergency call the Police or dial 999.

The four ws are:

Who was involved

• Give the full names of those involved.
• Other identifying known information (e.g. date of birth, address)

What happened (Facts, not opinions)

• Record exactly what you heard or observed.
• Do not add opinion, but if you have to, make sure you describe it as such and why!
• Think about the communication issues disabled children/people have and how we can empower them to share their experience.
• Accuracy is paramount.
• The documents could be used in court and could therefore be your ‘original notes’ available for you to refer to many months later.

When did it happen  (Date and Time)

• Be as accurate as possible.
• There might be one incident, several incidents, or it may be historical.
• If it has just happened, it will be possible to record an exact date and time. If it is historical, it might only be possible to give a rough year.

Who was it referred to

• Take the name of the person to whom you have referred the matter.
• Only verbally pass the information on in an emergency situation, but you must find time as soon as possible to it write down.
• Don’t delay a referral to speak to somebody else and if someone is at immediate risk of harm, dial 999

Key contacts

Father Paul: 07565 786 901

Bletchingley Parish Safeguarding Officer: Louise Tantam 07762 760 890 Click here for more about Safeguarding matters in Bletchingley

Every blessing

Father Paul