This church is committed to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk, and to ensuring their well-being.
- We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church.
- We believe that all children and adults at risk have the right to know they are valued within our church and can safely access every aspect of church life.
- We respect the rights of all children and adults at risk as set out in the United Nations Convention.
- We recognise we have a responsibility to help prevent the physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect of children under 18 years of age.
- We recognise that we have a responsibility to help prevent the physical, sexual, psychological, emotional and financial abuse and neglect of adults at risk.
- We recognise that domestic abuse affects both adults and children as is inconsistent with the Christian way of life.
- We will report to the relevant authorities any abuse that we discover or suspect.
- Where we suspect a criminal offence has been committed, we will contact the police as soon as possible.
- We understand that adult services will be responsible for investigating all allegations and suspicions of abuse relating to adults at risk, and children’s services where there are concerns about a child.
- We acknowledge that the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) will have responsibility for dealing with all allegations about people working with children, whether paid or voluntary.
We as a church are committed to:
- Providing a safe and loving environment where safeguarding is taken seriously and there is an informed vigilance about the dangers of abuse.
- Ensuring that we keep up to date with any national and local developments relating to safeguarding.
- Taking all reasonable steps to ensure everyone works within the agreed procedures of our safeguarding policy.
- Supporting the safeguarding officer in their work in order to protect children and adults at risk.
- Following safer recruitment procedures for all paid staff and volunteers.
- Providing training and supervision for all staff and volunteers that work with children and adults at risk.
- Providing support and pastoral care to all those in the church who are affected by abuse.
- Providing an environment where people feel valued and empowered to speak to us if they are suffering harm.
- Supporting and supervising those who may pose a risk to children or adults by implementing contracts of behaviour, whilst remembering the welfare of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount.
If after a risk assessment is carried out it is found that someone poses an unmanageable risk to those in need of protection and cannot safely attend our church, we will ensure they are still supported and offered pastoral care whilst signposting them to appropriate agencies.