Policy Statement On Safeguarding Children and Young People In the Church

This statement was agreed at the Church members’ meeting on 24th November 2019.

The Church 

• has a programme of activities with children and young people
• welcomes children and young people into the life of our community
• makes our premises available to organisations working with children and young people.

The Church recognises its responsibilities for the safeguarding of all children and young people under the age of 18 (regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability) as set out in The Children Act 1898 and 2004, Safe from Harm (HM Government 1994) and Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government 2010).

As members of this Church we commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection and safeguarding of all children and young people 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 and each member of the wider church family to prevent the physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children and young people and the duty of all to respond to concerns about the well-being of children and young people and to report any child abuse disclosed, discovered or suspected.  The Church will fully co-operate with any statutory investigation into any suspected abuse linked with the Church. 

Safe recruitment, support and supervision of workers

The Church will exercise proper care in the selection and appointment of those working with children and young people, whether paid or voluntary.  All workers will be provided with appropriate training, support and supervision to promote the safeguarding of children.

Respecting children and young people

The Church will adopt a code of behaviour for all who are appointed to work with children and young people so that all children and young people are shown the respect that is due to them.

Safe working practices

The Church is committed to providing a safe environment for activities with children and young people and will adopt ways of working with children and young people that promote their safety and well-being.

A safe community

The Church is committed to the prevention of bullying of children and young people.  The Church will seek to ensure that the behaviour of any who may pose a risk to children and young people in the community of the Church is managed appropriately.

Responsible person

The Church has appointed Sue Livermore as the Safeguarding Trustee to:

• oversee and monitor implementation of the policy and procedures on behalf of the Church’s charity trustees

The Church has appointed Dai Franks as the Designated Person for Safeguarding to:

• advise the Church on any matters related to the safeguarding of children and young people
• take the appropriate action when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected.