Safeguarding Policy 

Our vision

is to follow Jesus Christ and make him known to others.
To that end, we base our core values on Biblical principles and seek to be a community which, by the power of the Holy Spirit, is increasingly Christlike.
We therefore:-
·       Welcome children and adults at risk into the life of our community
·       Subject to resources, hope to run activities for children and adults at risk
·       Make our premises available to organisations working with children and adults at risk

Our safeguarding responsibilities

The church recognises its responsibilities in safeguarding all children, young people 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 adheres to a code of behaviour so that everyone including children and adults at risk 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, young people and adults at risk in the community of the church is managed appropriately.
 

Safeguarding contact points within our church

 
The church has appointed the following individuals to form part of the church safeguarding team:
 
David Gilkison (Designated Person)

He 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.
  
At present, because of the small number of our congregation and lack of suitable candidates, there is no deputy to the designated person. If, therefore, Dave Gilkison is not available, any concerns should be reported instead to Patrick Fields.
 
Patrick Fields (Church Trustee)

He will raise 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.

Our minister, Erica Bowler, will also be 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.