In fulfilling this vision:
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- we welcome children and Adults at Risk into the life of our community;
- we may have a programme of events for children;
- we may make our premises available to organisations working with children.
The church recognises its responsibilities for the safeguarding of all young people under the age of 18 (regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability).
Additionally, the church recognises its responsibility for the safeguarding of Adults at Risk.
As members of this church we commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection and safekeeping of all associated with the church and will pray for them regularly.
In pursuit of this we commit ourselves to the following policies and to the development of procedures to ensure their implementation.
- Prevention and reporting of abuse
It is the duty of each church member to prevent the physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children and Adults at Risk, and the duty of each church member to respond to concerns about the well-being of children and Adults at Risk and to report any abuse disclosed, discovered or suspected. The church will fully co-operate with any statutory investigation into any suspected abuse linked with the church. - Safer recruitment, support and supervision of workers
The church will exercise proper care in the selection and appointment of those working with children and Adults at Risk, whether paid or as volunteers. All workers will be provided with appropriate training, support and supervision to promote the safekeeping of children and Adults at Risk. - All workers, whether church members or otherwise, will submit themselves to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check every five years or as deemed appropriate by the Designated Person for Safeguarding, Minister and Deacons.
Respecting children and Adults at Risk
The church will adopt a code of behaviour for all who are appointed to work with children and Adults at Risk, so that all children and Adults at Risk are shown the respect that is due to them.
- Safer working The church is committed to providing a safe environment for activities with children and Adults at Risk and will adopt ways of working with them that promote their safety and well-being.
- A safer community The church is committed to the prevention of bullying of children and Adults at Risk. The church will seek to ensure that the behaviour of any who may pose a risk to children, young people and Adults at Risk in the community of the church is managed appropriately.
The Safeguarding Team
The church has appointed:
Miss Annelies Barth, Designated Person for Safeguarding
She will advise the church on any matters related to the safeguarding of children and Adults at Risk and take the appropriate action when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected.
Additionally, the minister, Rev Dr Steve Rudge will oversee and monitor the implementation of the policy and procedures on behalf of the church’s charity trustees.
When possible, the Safeguarding Team will work together if and when issues arise.
(Further definitions of these roles can also be found in ‘Safe to Grow’ 2011, and ‘Safe to Belong’ 2015.)
Policy and Procedures
A copy of this policy statement will be displayed permanently on the noticeboard in the entrance lobby and church hall.
Each worker with children or Adults at Risk, whether paid or voluntary, will be given a full copy of the policy and procedures and will be required to follow them. They will be required to sign an assurance to this effect.
A full copy of the policy and procedures will be made available on request to any member of, or other person associated, with the church, or any other organisation that may reasonably require it.
The policy and procedures will be monitored and reviewed annually.
This policy statement will be read annually at the church AGM in March together with a report on the outcome of the annual review.