Reporting an Incident

Personal Security

In the case of any major incident, please

1. seek medical attention if necessary and/or report criminal incidents to the police;
2. contact your Archdeacon immediately for support and pastoral care. In the absence of your Archdeacon, please contact one of the Bishops.
3. refer all media requests to the Diocesan Communications Officer, Will Harrison: Tel 01522 504033
4. tell your churchwardens (or management committee, for sector ministers)
5. complete this form and return it to your Archdeacon as soon as possible: Personal security: Incident report

The Archdeacon will arrange appropriate pastoral and legal support (including sick cover if necessary), and will also make a record of the incident if you are unable to do so.

In the case of low-level abuse, please:

1. contact your Rural Dean in the first instance for support and pastoral care. In the absence of the Rural Dean, contact your Archdeacon.
2. tell your churchwardens (or management committee, for sector ministers)
3. tell your Community Support Officer (police) - s/he may well be able to provide local information and/or assistance
4. complete this form and return it to your Archdeacon as soon as possible: Personal security: Incident report

If abuse is happening in the home, find someone trustworthy in whom you can confide, seek professional help, and if necessary find a safe place to go. Your Archdeacon or the Diocesan Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult Advisor (Simon Payne: tel 01522 504050) may be of assistance to you if you are unsure to whom to turn.

Other support networks you might approach include:

• Bishops
• Other clergy or lay ministers
• The Diocesan clergy counsellor (contact your Archdeacon or Bishop for referral)
• Statutory agencies, e.g. NHS, police
• Voluntary agencies, e.g. Victim Support
• The Society of Martha & Mary - can provide support for partners as well.