Safeguarding
Pickering Benefice is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all to share in this commitment.
Our standards of practice ensure all are fully aware of and understand their responsibilities under safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance which includes criminal record checks.
Our Parish Safeguarding Policy, in keeping with the new Church of England guidelines is in place, having been ratified by Rev.d Gareth Atha and approved by the PCC. A copy has been forwarded to the Diocesan Office. A copy of the full Policy is available on request.
Gail Radka, Parish Safeguarding Representative. 07736645932. [email protected]
Call 999 if a child or adult is in immediate danger of significant or serious harm
Useful links (Pickering Parish Church is not responsible for the content of external websites):
Diocese of York Safeguarding: https://dioceseofyork.orguk/safeguarding
North Yorkshire County Council Safeguarding: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/safeguarding
*National helplines:
NSPCC – 0808 800 5000
Childline – 0800 1111
Stop it Now – 0808 1000 900
NAPAC – 0808 801 0331
Samaritans – 116 123
Family Lives – 0808 800 2222
National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247
Action on Elder Abuse – 0808 808 8141
Our standards of practice ensure all are fully aware of and understand their responsibilities under safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance which includes criminal record checks.
Our Parish Safeguarding Policy, in keeping with the new Church of England guidelines is in place, having been ratified by Rev.d Gareth Atha and approved by the PCC. A copy has been forwarded to the Diocesan Office. A copy of the full Policy is available on request.
Gail Radka, Parish Safeguarding Representative. 07736645932. [email protected]
Call 999 if a child or adult is in immediate danger of significant or serious harm
Useful links (Pickering Parish Church is not responsible for the content of external websites):
Diocese of York Safeguarding: https://dioceseofyork.orguk/safeguarding
North Yorkshire County Council Safeguarding: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/safeguarding
*National helplines:
NSPCC – 0808 800 5000
Childline – 0800 1111
Stop it Now – 0808 1000 900
NAPAC – 0808 801 0331
Samaritans – 116 123
Family Lives – 0808 800 2222
National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247
Action on Elder Abuse – 0808 808 8141
There has been a great deal of national news coverage of safeguarding issues in the Church of England this autumn.
If this brings to mind that you, or someone you know, has been personally affected or harmed by anyone in the Church, you can find contact details for the Diocese of York’s Safeguarding Team and several external agencies who may be able to offer help and support, at
dioceseofyork.org.uk/our-diocese/safeguarding/victim-and-survivor.
All are welcome to give information or make a disclosure regarding church-related abuse.
Those with lived experience of abuse within the church may choose to seek help and support from agencies that are independent to our Diocese; some are listed below as well as on the web page above:
Safe Spaces - www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
A free and independent service supporting survivors of church-related abuse delivered by the service providers, First Light.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am – 9pm, Saturday 9am – 1pm, Sunday 1 – 5pm. Tel: 0300 303 1056. Email: [email protected].
A member of the Safe Spaces team will make contact within 48 hours of making a contact request or referral.
IDAS – Building Hope - idas.org.uk
Have you, or someone you know, been hurt or harmed by anyone who is, or was connected to the church? You can get help and advice via an independent advocacy and support service.03000 110 110 [email protected]
Church of England Interim Support Scheme - www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/safeguarding-news-releases/interim-support-scheme
Offering immediate help and support to survivors whose life circumstances are significantly affected by the abuse suffered, and the response to it.
MACSAS - www.macsas.org.uk (Minister and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors)
Supports women and men who have been sexually abused, as children or adults, by ministers, clergy or others under the guise of the Church.
Survivors Voices - survivorsvoices.org/support
A survivor-led organisation that runs peer support groups for victim-survivors of all kinds of abuse, including faith-based abuse. It has a newsletter and other special events for survivors of abuse experienced in churches and other faith-based communities.
Download our leaflet ‘Building Hope’ and find more information at
www.dioceseofyork.org.uk/safeguarding.
If this brings to mind that you, or someone you know, has been personally affected or harmed by anyone in the Church, you can find contact details for the Diocese of York’s Safeguarding Team and several external agencies who may be able to offer help and support, at
dioceseofyork.org.uk/our-diocese/safeguarding/victim-and-survivor.
All are welcome to give information or make a disclosure regarding church-related abuse.
Those with lived experience of abuse within the church may choose to seek help and support from agencies that are independent to our Diocese; some are listed below as well as on the web page above:
Safe Spaces - www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
A free and independent service supporting survivors of church-related abuse delivered by the service providers, First Light.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am – 9pm, Saturday 9am – 1pm, Sunday 1 – 5pm. Tel: 0300 303 1056. Email: [email protected].
A member of the Safe Spaces team will make contact within 48 hours of making a contact request or referral.
IDAS – Building Hope - idas.org.uk
Have you, or someone you know, been hurt or harmed by anyone who is, or was connected to the church? You can get help and advice via an independent advocacy and support service.03000 110 110 [email protected]
Church of England Interim Support Scheme - www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/safeguarding-news-releases/interim-support-scheme
Offering immediate help and support to survivors whose life circumstances are significantly affected by the abuse suffered, and the response to it.
MACSAS - www.macsas.org.uk (Minister and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors)
Supports women and men who have been sexually abused, as children or adults, by ministers, clergy or others under the guise of the Church.
Survivors Voices - survivorsvoices.org/support
A survivor-led organisation that runs peer support groups for victim-survivors of all kinds of abuse, including faith-based abuse. It has a newsletter and other special events for survivors of abuse experienced in churches and other faith-based communities.
Download our leaflet ‘Building Hope’ and find more information at
www.dioceseofyork.org.uk/safeguarding.
| 2024 Safeguarding Policy St Peter and St Paul.pdf |
Data Protection
One of the biggest changes to UK Data Privacy law came into effect in May 2018. The General Data Protection Regulation, also known as GDPR, means that you'll have more control over how your data is used, and it ensures that organisations protect your personal data better. To reflect these changes and new obligations, we updated our Privacy Notice which now tells you what we do with your personal data, such as name, address, email and telephone number, how it's used and your rights as an individual under the new law. We are committed to respecting and protecting your privacy and want you to understand how we collect and use this information.
GDPR Website Data Privacy Policy
This document outlines how personal information may be collected and used (or not used) on this website, and outlines responsibilities and liabilities that correspond to such collection and/or use. These terms cover this website and its content exclusively, and do not include websites that are linked, or malicious third-parties. It is our commitment to end users to operate this website with integrity and honesty – taking the time, effort, and care to protect users and information that may be provided.
1. Collection of Information
We only collect personal information such as names, addresses, and contact information when it is voluntarily submitted by our users. The information provided is only used to fulfil your specific request and cannot be used for any other purpose, unless permission is given by the individual who provided the information.
2. Third Parties
We may link to or display content from third parties on our website. Should a user follow such links they would be leaving this website and no longer be governed by this privacy policy. This policy and these terms apply only to content existing on this website
3. Cookies and Tracking Technology
This site may use cookies or browser tracking technologies to provide a better overall user experience. This information allows us to continue modifying the site to meet end user browser types, operating systems, and frequency of visits. Personal information cannot be collected by these methods unless expressly provided by the end user. Aggregate cookie and tracking information may be shared with third parties.
What are cookies?
A “cookie” is a small text file that’s stored on your computer, tablet or phone when you visit a website.
Some cookies are deleted when you close down your browser. These are known as session cookies. Others remain on your device until they expire or you delete them from your cache. These are known as persistent cookies and enable us to remember things about you as a returning visitor. To find out more about cookies, including how to see what cookies have been set and how to manage and delete them, visit www.allaboutcookies.org. Alternatively, you can search the internet for other independent information on cookies.
How we use cookies
We use cookies (and sometimes other similar technologies) to:
This policy applies only to interactions taking place via the website, and does not govern offline interactions.
4. Distribution of Information
We may only share your personal information with government agencies or other companies assisting us in fraud prevention or investigation, and when it is legally required for us to do so. This information is never shared with third-party companies for marketing purposes.
5. Commitment to Security
When personal information is provided to us voluntarily by end users, we agree to make reasonable efforts to make such information secure. Only authorized employees, agents and contractors (who operate under confidentiality agreements) will ever have access to such information and are also stipulated to make every effort to ensure security and integrity of the data.
1. Collection of Information
We only collect personal information such as names, addresses, and contact information when it is voluntarily submitted by our users. The information provided is only used to fulfil your specific request and cannot be used for any other purpose, unless permission is given by the individual who provided the information.
2. Third Parties
We may link to or display content from third parties on our website. Should a user follow such links they would be leaving this website and no longer be governed by this privacy policy. This policy and these terms apply only to content existing on this website
3. Cookies and Tracking Technology
This site may use cookies or browser tracking technologies to provide a better overall user experience. This information allows us to continue modifying the site to meet end user browser types, operating systems, and frequency of visits. Personal information cannot be collected by these methods unless expressly provided by the end user. Aggregate cookie and tracking information may be shared with third parties.
What are cookies?
A “cookie” is a small text file that’s stored on your computer, tablet or phone when you visit a website.
Some cookies are deleted when you close down your browser. These are known as session cookies. Others remain on your device until they expire or you delete them from your cache. These are known as persistent cookies and enable us to remember things about you as a returning visitor. To find out more about cookies, including how to see what cookies have been set and how to manage and delete them, visit www.allaboutcookies.org. Alternatively, you can search the internet for other independent information on cookies.
How we use cookies
We use cookies (and sometimes other similar technologies) to:
- Monitor your use on our website and gather analytics to help us improve your browsing experience
- Remember your preferences to personalise your visit
- Personalise our website and display information relevant to you
- Help us improve the usability of our website
This policy applies only to interactions taking place via the website, and does not govern offline interactions.
4. Distribution of Information
We may only share your personal information with government agencies or other companies assisting us in fraud prevention or investigation, and when it is legally required for us to do so. This information is never shared with third-party companies for marketing purposes.
5. Commitment to Security
When personal information is provided to us voluntarily by end users, we agree to make reasonable efforts to make such information secure. Only authorized employees, agents and contractors (who operate under confidentiality agreements) will ever have access to such information and are also stipulated to make every effort to ensure security and integrity of the data.
GDPR Privacy Notice
Your personal data – what is it?
“Personal data” is any information about a living individual which allows them to be identified from that data (for example a name, photographs, videos, email address, or address). Identification can be by the information alone or in conjunction with any other information. The processing of personal data is governed by the Data Protection Bill/Act 2017, the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (the GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and other legislation relating to personal data and rights such as the Human Rights Act 1998.
Who are we?
This Privacy Notice is provided to you by the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Pickering, which is the data controller for your data.
The Church of England is made up of a number of different organisations and office-holders who work together to deliver the Church’s mission in each community. The PCC works together with:
- the incumbent of the parish (currently vacant)
- the bishops of the Diocese of York; and
- the financial and administrative arrangements for the Diocese of York. As the Church is made up of all of these persons and organisations working together, we may need to share personal data we hold with them so that they can carry out their responsibilities to the Church and our community. The organisations referred to above are joint data controllers. This means we are all responsible to you for how we process your data. Each of the data controllers have their own tasks within the Church and a description of what data is processed and for what purpose is set out in this Privacy Notice. This Privacy Notice is sent to you by the PCC on our own behalf and on behalf of each of these data controllers. In the rest of this Privacy Notice, we use the word “we” to refer to each data controller, as appropriate.
What data do the data controllers listed above process?
They will process some or all of the following where necessary to perform their tasks:
- Names, titles and aliases, photographs;
- Contact details such as telephone numbers, addresses, and email addresses;
- Where they are relevant to our mission, or where you provide them to us, we may process demographic information such as gender, age, date of birth, marital status, nationality, education/work histories, academic/professional qualifications, hobbies, family composition, and dependants;
- Where you make donations or pay for activities such as use of the Parish Hall, financial identifiers such as bank account numbers, payment card numbers, payment/transaction identifiers, policy numbers, and claim numbers;
- The data we process is likely to constitute sensitive personal data because, as a church, the fact that we process your data at all may be suggestive of your religious beliefs. Where you provide this information, we may also process other categories of sensitive personal data and other similar judicial records.
- We use your personal data for some or all of the following purposes:
- The data controllers will comply with their legal obligations to keep personal data up to date; to store and destroy it securely; to not collect or retain excessive amounts of data; to keep personal data secure, and to protect personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorised access and disclosure and to ensure that appropriate technical measures are in place to protect personal data.
How do we process your personal data?
- To enable us to meet all legal and statutory obligations (which include maintaining and publishing our electoral roll in accordance with the Church Representation Rules);
- To carry out comprehensive safeguarding procedures (including due diligence and complaints handling) in accordance with best safeguarding practice from time to time with the aim of ensuring that all children and adults-at-risk are provided with safe environments;
- To minister to you and provide you with pastoral and spiritual care (such as visiting you when you are gravely ill or bereaved) and to organise and perform ecclesiastical services for you, such as baptisms, confirmations, weddings and funerals;
- To deliver the Church’s mission to our community, and to carry out any other voluntary or charitable activities for the benefit of the public as provided for in the constitution and statutory framework of each data controller;
- To administer the parish, deanery, archdeaconry and diocesan membership records;
- To fundraise and promote the interests of the Church and charity;
- To provide contact details for those organising specific rotas for church duties;
- For contact details to organise meetings such as P.C.C., Men’s Society, Children & Youth Society, Mother’s Union, Social and Fundraising, Choir;
- To maintain our own accounts and records;
- To process a donation that you have made (including Gift Aid information);
- To seek your views or comments;
- To collect subs and inform winners of the ‘100 Club’;
- To inform our Insurance Company of who has key access to the buildings;
- To notify you of changes to our services, events and role holders;
- To send you communications which you have requested and that may be of interest to you. These may include information about campaigns, appeals, other fundraising activities;
- To process a grant or application for a role;
- To enable us to provide a voluntary service for the benefit of the public in a particular geographical area as specified in our constitution;
- Our processing also includes the use of CCTV systems for the prevention and prosecution of crime
What is the legal basis for processing your personal data?
Most of our data is processed because it is necessary for our legitimate interests, or the legitimate interests of a third party (such as another organisation in the Church of England). An example of this would be our safeguarding work to protect children and adults at risk. We will always take into account your interests, rights and freedoms.
Some of our processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation. For example, we are required by the Church Representation Rules to administer and publish the electoral roll, and under Canon Law to announce forthcoming weddings by means of the publication of banns.
We may also process data if it is necessary for the performance of a contract with you, or to take steps to enter into a contract. An example of this would be processing your data in connection with the hire of church facilities.
Religious organisations are also permitted to process information about your religious beliefs to administer membership or contact details.
Where your information is used other than in accordance with one of these legal bases, we will first obtain your consent to that use.
Sharing your personal data
Your personal data will be treated as strictly confidential. It will only be shared with third parties where it is necessary for the performance of our tasks or where you first give us your prior consent. It is likely that we will need to share your data with some or all of the following (but only where necessary):
- The appropriate bodies of the Church of England including the other data controllers;
- Other clergy or lay persons nominated or licensed by the bishops of the Diocese of York to support the mission of the Church in our parish. For example, our clergy are supported by our area dean and archdeacon, who may provide confidential mentoring and pastoral support. Assistant or temporary ministers, including curates, deacons, licensed lay ministers, commissioned lay ministers or persons with Bishop’s Permissions may participate in our mission in support of our regular clergy;
- Other persons or organisations operating within the Diocese of London including, where relevant, the London Diocesan Board for Schools and Subsidiary Bodies;
- On occasion, other churches with which we are carrying out joint events or activities.
How long do we keep your personal data?
We will keep some records permanently if we are legally required to do so. We may keep some other records for an extended period of time. For example, it is current best practice to keep financial records for a minimum period of 7 years to support HMRC audits. In general, we will endeavour to keep data only for as long as we need it. This means that we may delete it when it is no longer needed.
Your rights and your personal data
Unless subject to an exemption under the GDPR, you have the following rights with respect to your personal data:
When exercising any of the rights listed below, in order to process your request, we may need to verify your identity for your security. In such cases we will need you to respond with proof of your identity before you can exercise these rights.
A. The right to access information we hold on you
- At any point you can contact us to request the information we hold on you as well as why we have that information, who has access to the information and where we obtained the information from. Once we have received your request, we will respond within one month.
- There are no fees or charges for the first request but additional requests for the same data may be subject to an administrative fee.
B. The right to correct and update the information we hold on you
- If the data we hold on you is out of date, incomplete or incorrect, you can inform us and your data will be updated.
C. The right to have your information erased
- If you feel that we should no longer be using your data or that we are illegally using your data, you can request that we erase the data we hold. When we receive your request, we will confirm whether the data has been deleted or the reason why it cannot be deleted (for example because we need it for our legitimate interests or regulatory purpose(s)).
D. The right to object to processing of your data
- You have the right to request that we stop processing your data. Upon receiving the request we will contact you and let you know if we are able to comply or if we have legitimate grounds to continue to process your data. Even after you exercise your right to object, we may continue to hold your data to comply with your other rights or to bring or defend legal claims.
E. The right to data portability
- You have the right to request that we transfer some of your data to another controller. We will comply with your request, where it is feasible to do so, within one month of receiving your request.
F. The right to withdraw your consent to the processing at any time for any processing of data to which consent was sought.
- You can withdraw your consent easily by telephone, email, or by post (see Contact Details below).
G. The right to object to the processing of personal data where applicable.
H. The right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Transfer of Data Abroad
Any electronic personal data transferred to countries or territories outside the EU will only be placed on systems complying with measures giving equivalent protection of personal rights either through international agreements or contracts approved by the European Union. Our website is also accessible from overseas so on occasion some personal data (for example in a newsletter) may be accessed from overseas.
Further processing
If we wish to use your personal data for a new purpose, not covered by this Notice, then we will provide you with a new notice explaining this new use prior to commencing the processing and setting out the relevant purposes and processing conditions. Where and whenever necessary, we will seek your prior consent to the new processing.
Contact Details
Please contact us if you have any questions about this Privacy Notice or the information we hold about you or to exercise all relevant rights, queries or complaints to The Data Protection Controller, St Peter and St Paul’s Church at either:
The Rev'd Gareth Atha, or one of the Churchwardens listed below.
You can contact the Information Commissioners Office on 0303 123 1113 or via email https://ico.org.uk/global/contact-us/email/ or at the Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF
Footnote - Details about retention periods can currently be found in the Record Management Guides located on the Church of England website at: - https://www.churchofengland.org/about-us/structure/churchcommissioners/administration/librariesandarchives/recordsmanagementguides.aspx
Rights to Changes
We reserve the rights to make changes to these documents and these terms without notice to end users but will highlight any changes on this page.