Introduction
Safeguarding is taken seriously by Southbourne Free Church
We acknowledge children’s and adults right to protection from abuse, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or beliefs. We consider that the welfare of children is paramount. We will follow legislation, statutory guidance and recognised good practice in order to protect vulnerable people in our church.
We will seek to establish a caring environment in which there is an informed vigilance about the dangers of abuse.
We will implement, maintain and regularly review the procedures outlined in this policy, which are designed to prevent and to be alert to abuse.
We will appoint a Safeguarding Coordinator and Deputy Safeguarding Coordinator, who will have specific responsibilities for safeguarding, although we recognise that safeguarding is a whole church responsibility. The Safeguarding Coordinator is the person to whom all concerns or allegations should be addressed. In the absence of the Safeguarding Coordinator, the Deputy Safeguarding Coordinator should be contacted.
We will organise activities in such a way as to promote a safe environment and minimise the risk of harm to children and adults.
We will follow a safer recruitment process for the selection and appointment of people to work with children or adults at risk, whether voluntary or paid.
We are committed to providing support, supervision, resources and training to those who work with children and adults.
We will use rigorous and careful supervision to protect people from the risks associated with known offenders within the congregation, including implementing contracts with known offenders and those who have been assessed as posing a risk.
We believe that domestic abuse in all its forms is unacceptable and inconsistent with a Christian way of living and recognise that it can affect both adults and children.
All concerns and allegations of abuse will be responded to appropriately, including referring to the statutory authorities if necessary.
We will co-operate with the statutory authorities in any investigation, will follow multi-agency decisions and will maintain confidentiality of any investigations to those directly involved.
We will refer concerns about staff - volunteers and paid, lay and ordained - that meet the relevant criteria to the Local Authority Designated Officer
Our Safeguarding Policy Statement is attached as Appendix 1.