Safeguarding Policy Statement 
Parish of St Marys Balcombe 
As members of this PCC we are committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of all our members, particularly the children and young people. 
We recognize that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility 
We are committed to implementing all safeguarding policies and practice guidance issued by the House of Bishops. 
We will carefully select and train all those who work or volunteer in positions of trust. 
We will use the Disclosure and Barring Service, amongst other tools, to check the background of each person. 
We will respond, without delay, to every concern made that a person for whom we are responsible may have been harmed. 
We will co-operate fully with statutory agencies during any investigation concerning a member of the church community. 
We will seek to ensure that anyone for whom we have pastoral responsibility who has suffered abuse, who communicates this to a Church Officer, is offered support that meets their needs. 
We will respond appropriately to those, about whom we are aware, who have committed sexual offences and who wish to join our fellowship, following House of Bishop's guidance and the advice of the Safeguarding Representative. 
We will review this policy annually and as part of this process will ensure that all our procedures, particularly in relation to the Disclosure and Barring Service, are up to date. 
Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is: 
Name:                             Rachel Field
Address:                         Freshfield, Stockcroft Road, Balcombe, Haywards Heath, RH17 6LN 
Telephone number:   07866764975 (NOT for emergency - 9-5 weekday only)
Email address :            safeguarding@stmarys-balcombe.org
Deputy Parish Safeguarding Officer is: 
Name                              Ellen Woodrow Ramma
Signed on behalf of the PCC: By the Vice Chair and Churchwardens
Signed 9/6/2025