St Matthew, Midgham
	 
	St Matthew's is the friendly Anglican Church for Midgham Parish. St Matthew's stands on the top of a hill overlooking the Kennet valley. Church services in Midgham date from 1622. From then until 1714 they were performed in a chapel in the park near to the former Midgham House. Mr Benjamin Buck Greene, owner of Midgham House, arranged for construction of the present church which dates from 1869. The architect was John Johnson.
	St Matthew's is one of six churches in the Benefice of Aldermaston and Woolhampton. 
	
	St Matthew, School Hill, Midgham, Berkshire, RG7 5UW.
	
	Churchwardens
	Sarah Henderson    0118 971 3956
	
	Tony Billington, one of our churchwardens sadly died very suddenly on 4th September.  We hold the family in our prayers.
	
	
	Safeguarding Policy
	
	The Parish of St Matthew’s Midgham
	SAFEGUARDING POLICY
	PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH
	
	The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 21st May 2025
	In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:
	 
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		Promoting a safer environment and culture.
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		Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
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		Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
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		Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
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		Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
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		Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others. 
	The Parish will: 
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		Create a safe and caring place for all.
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		Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (BSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
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		Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
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		Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
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		Display in church premises and on the Benefice website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
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		Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
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		Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.
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		Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
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		Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
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		Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
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		Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually. 
	The named Safeguarding Officer for Midgham is Katherine Moir.
	 
	Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.
	Incumbent ...................................................................
	Churchwarden ............................................................................................................
	Date:  25th September 2025