Safeguarding

Safeguarding is taken seriously by this church. We define safeguarding as the promotion of the safety and welfare of any children and adults who are at risk of, or experiencing, harm, abuse or neglect in all forms.

We acknowledge children’s and adults’ right to protection from any form of abuse or neglect. Therefore, as members and workers of the church, we are committed to:

the care and nurture of all children and adults,the safeguarding and protection of all children and adults at risk,the establishment of a loving church environment which is safe and caring for all people and where the dignity of each person is respected,an informed vigilance about the dangers of all forms of abuse, harm and neglect
within all aspects of work in the Church, and how to respond appropriately,ensuring everyone who engages with the life of the Church is responsible for keeping people safe,working together with voluntary/statutory agencies and other denominations and faith-based organisations.

The Safeguarding Co-ordinator is the persons to whom all concerns or allegations should be addressed for appropriate actions to be taken. In the absence of a Safeguarding
Co-ordinator, the Synod Safeguarding Officer should be contacted. Their contact details is on the southern synod websites.

We will exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of those who will work with children or adults at risk within the Church.

We will respond without delay to every concern, incident or complaint which suggests that a
child or adult has been harmed, or is at risk of harm, and cooperate with ecumenical partners,
the Police, the Designated Officer (DO , formerly known as LADO), Local Safeguarding Boards
(in Wales), Children’s Partnership Boards (formally Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards) and Children’s and Adult Social Care Services in any investigation, while maintaining the confidentiality of any investigations to those directly involved.

We will ensure processes and practices in all aspects of safeguarding, including discipline, risk management, whistleblowing and bullying/harassment are in alignment with Good Practice 5 – the United Reformed Church’s policy and guidance in safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk.