Safeguarding

Policy

Why do we need policy and procedure?

The purpose of safeguarding policy and procedure is to...

-ensure church is a safe place

-promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults

What are the key safeguarding documents?

Our Policy Statement sets out key principles and values agreed by the Elders of the church. These underpin everything we do in respect of safeguarding and drive the approach we take to keeping people safe from harm.

The Safeguarding Policy and Procedure codify our aims and objectives, confirm the legislation and guidance we are required to abide by, and set out the practical steps we take in the event of there being concerns about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult.

Procedure Diagrams aim to help those working with children and vulnerable adults see, at a glance, the steps they and others should take where there is an active concern about safety and/or welfare.

All safeguarding policy and procedure documents are available here.

What is ‘whistle blowing’?

Whistle blowing is the disclosure of suspected or witnessed wrongdoing on the part of a member of staff or volunteer. This might include malpractice, unethical conduct, illegal activity or a breach of church policy.

With regard to safeguarding, if you suspect or know that a member of staff, volunteer, or another person in a position of authority at the church is behaving in a way that might or will cause harm to a child or vulnerable adult, you must ‘blow the whistle’ and report your concerns to a member of the safeguarding team.

A policy and procedure for whistle blowing is available here.