SAFEGUARDING
Statement
DEFINITIONS OF TERMS
For the purpose of this policy, the term ‘child’ refers to anyone under the age of 18 years.
There is no standard single definition for an adult at risk, so for our policy we are using the following simple definition taken from CCPAS (Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service):
‘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’
SECTION 1 – SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT
SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT FOR WALTON-BY-KIMCOTE BAPTIST CHAPEL
Our vision
The vision statement of Walton-By-Kimcote Baptist Chapel is:
To love and worship God
To serve Him in the community
To extend His Kingdom
And to glorify His name
In fulfilling this vision, we:
Welcome children and adults at risk into the life of our community
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 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, 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:
Jacqui Herbert, Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS)
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.
Phone number: 01858 880492: Email address: grdnhrbrt@yahoo.co.uk
Linda Goddard, Deputy Designated Person for Safeguarding (DDPS)
She will assist the Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS) in helping 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.
Phone number: 01455-557277Email address: martinlindag@gmail.com
Gordon Herbert, Safeguarding 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.
Phone number: 01858 880492: Email address:grdnhrbrt@yahoo.co.uk
Any minister of the church is also an important part of the 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 definitions of these roles can be found in the BUGB publications ‘Safe to Grow’ (2011) & ‘Safe to Belong’ (2015).