Safeguarding

At Holy Trinity Gosport we work hard to maintain the church as a safe space for all.

We are committed to implementing the House of Bishops’ and Diocesan safeguarding policies and good practice guidance. The safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults is everyone’s responsibility.

How to report a concern

If you have any concerns about the welfare of a child or adult, please reach out to the Parish or Church Safeguarding Officer in the first instance or reach out to the Diocese of Portsmouth Safeguarding Team.

Parish Safeguarding Officer
Anna Mellers
anna@havenchurch.uk
07825 614 636

Church Safeguarding Officer
Jo Snape
jo.snape@havenchurch.uk
07909 650 007

Out of Hours Support

The Diocese of Portsmouth partners with thirtyone:eight and you can access its Safeguarding Helpline if the Diocesan Safeguarding team is unavailable. Thirtyone:eight can be contacted on 0303 003 1111, selecting option 2.

This also includes any safeguarding queries outside of office hours on weekdays and weekends. An Information Sharing Agreement between the two organisations will allow the Diocesan Safeguarding team to receive a copy of the advice thirtyone:eight may offer the caller.

In the case of an emergency

If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and Hampshire County Council’s adult or children’s services.

Helplines

• Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours).

• Parent Line: 0808 800 2222

• National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours).

• Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours).

• Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (freephone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)

Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel

The Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP) plays an important role in the Diocese of Portsmouth, The DSAP works in partnership with the Bishop’s Staff and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team in offering strategy, policy and practice advice and support to the Diocese.

The DSAP is constituted in line with the House of Bishop’s practice guidance, ‘Key Roles and Responsibilities of Church Office Holders and Bodies 2017’. The DSAP Chair reports to the Bishop of Portsmouth. DSAP members are appointed by the Bishop and include professionals with expertise and current experience in the strategic overview and practices regarding the safeguarding of children and adults.

Contacting the DSAP

If you are not happy about how a safeguarding matter has been dealt with and you cannot resolve the issue or concern with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team you can contact the Independent Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP).

The DSAP is always interested in hearing feedback and comments regarding safeguarding matters in the diocese. If you wish to comment, compliment or complain about a safeguarding concern the Chair of the Panel contact details are below:

Kerry Young (Chair of Safeguarding Advisory Panel)
Address: c/o Diocese of Portsmouth, First Floor, Peninsular House, Wharf Road, PO2 8HB
kerry.young@portsmouth.anglican.org