Safeguarding 

The church’s Safeguarding policy statement
on children and adults at risk
 

This statement was originally agreed at the Church Meeting held on October 3rd 1995 and was revised in 2002, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2021 and 2022. It will be noted annually at a Church Meeting held in the autumn and copied to all members in the church directory, where progress in carrying it out will be monitored.

We recognise that our work with children under 18, and adults at risk is the responsibility of the whole church. (the definition of adult at risk is as follows) 
‘Any adult aged 18 or over who due to disability, mental function, age, illness or traumatic circumstances may not be able to take care or protect themselves against the risk of significant harm, abuse, bullying, harassment, mistreatment or exploitation’.
 
The church adopts guidelines and procedures as recommended by the Baptist Union.
 
Our safeguarding responsibilities
The church recognises its responsibilities in safeguarding all children and adults at risk, regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability.
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 this policy and to the development of sound procedures to ensure we implement our policy well.

• Prevention and reporting of abuse. It is the duty of each church member to help prevent the 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.  Any abuse disclosed, discovered or suspected will be reported in accordance with our procedures.  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 voluntary.  All workers will be provided with appropriate training, support and supervision to promote the safekeeping of children and adults at risk.
• 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 are shown the respect that is due to them.
• Safer working practices. The church is committed to providing an environment that is as safe as possible for 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.  The church will seek to ensure that the behaviour of any individuals who may pose a risk to children and adults at risk in the community of the church is managed appropriately.

The church has appointed the following individuals to form part of the church safeguarding team:
Designated Persons for Safeguarding (DPS)  -  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.
LINDA ROBERTS (01727 858869)       
FRANK IDDIOLS  (07939 287785)
Safeguarding Trustee  -  Will maintain the profile of safeguarding within the church and oversee and monitor the implementation of the safeguarding policy and procedures on behalf of the church trustees.
JAN MORSE  (07947 822218)
Our church minister is also an important part of the Church Safeguarding Team.  Where possible, the Church Safeguarding Team will work together if and when issues arise.  However, each person has a responsibility to report allegations of abuse as soon as they are raised.
Further details can be found in www.baptist.org.uk

Putting our policy into practice

• A copy of the safeguarding policy statement will be displayed permanently on the church noticeboard and is available on our church website.
• Each worker with children and/or adults at risk will be given a full copy of the safeguarding policy and procedures and will be asked to sign to confirm that they will follow them.
• 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.
• The policy and procedures will be monitored and reviewed annually, and any necessary revisions adopted into the policy and implemented through our procedures.

Children and adults at risk belong fully to our church today.  They have much to give as well as to receive.  We will listen to them.  As we nurture them in worship, learning and in community life, we will respect the wishes and feelings of children and adults at risk.