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The Denominations

New Safeguarding Handbook

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Policies and Information

This page contains our panel policies and information.

For policies and guidelines relating to external organisations please go to our  useful information page. 

 

Individual church safeguarding policy statement   

We are pleased to share this new individual church policy statement to enable you to clearly state your church’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable groups.
This is in line with best practice and a requirement of many insurance companies.individual church policy
Up until now the policy statement was to be found at the beginning of both section 3 (children) and section 4 (adults) in the handbook.
We have now produced a separate document which will enable you to share and to display it more easily.
This will also be available in the new updates of the handbook which will be available from October 2022.
 
 You can find the document here as a PDF or as a word document so you can add your own logo etc. 
 
 This document  includes important information on how to make sure you are putting your safeguarding policy into practice and details of the recommended safeguarding roles and responsibilities in the local church.
 
This statement along with the guidelines and procedures outlined in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Handbook, and any subsequent updates, forms your safeguarding policy and procedures.
 Our policy statement on safeguarding vulnerable groups

As a church we are fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of our members and those entrusted to our care.

This safeguarding policy statement along with the guidelines and procedures outlined in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Handbook, forms our safeguarding policy and procedures.

We acknowledge that children, young people and adults can be the victims of abuse and neglect and we recognise our obligation to ensure their safety in the activities carried out in the name of this church. We aim to provide a caring environment and to respond sensitively and immediately to any concerns. Members of the church, paid staff and volunteers will show respect to others, promote the ethos of listening to children and vulnerable people and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the principles of the Christian church.

The church will care for children, young people and vulnerable adults and safeguard them by following good practices in relation to the following:

o Responding appropriately to concerns and allegations (Handbook Sections 3.2 and 4.2) In line with our policy and guidelines we undertake to respond immediately when a suspicion of abuse or any other concerns or allegations are drawn to our attention. We undertake to co-operate with the Local Authority or the Police if an investigation is launched.

o Safer Recruitment for workers and volunteers (Handbook Section 2) including DBS checks every 4 years for eligible workers, leaders and trustees.

o Training and supporting our workers and volunteers in their role and in the protection of children and vulnerable people.

o Promoting good working practices (Handbook Sections 3.1 and 4.1) and creating a safe environment.

 

Read our safeguarding statement of intent here and the code of conduct which is based on this document  (Appendix 2a) in the 2022 handbook updates)
 
 
 
Click here to read how we deal with a BLEMISHED DISCLOSURE* and how to APPEAL  if you're unhappy with a Panel decision.   
* a DBS disclosure certificate which shows any convictions cautions, reprimands or final warnings or information from the police.
 
 

Our complaints procedure - We recognise that we get thing wrong at times, make mistakes, or we may not reach the high standard that is expected of us.  Please see our complaints procedure and form  if you are unhappy with our service or with the way you have been treated by a member of staff.

 

Policy statement on the recruitment of ex offenders (Appendix 6 in the handbook) Click here to read

Policy statement on the use storage and disposal of disclosures and information about disclosures (Appendix 5 of the handbook) click here to read the shorter statement or the full policy and procedures here

 Policy and summary of eligibility regarding Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.  Click hereto read the leaflet.  There is further information in section 2 of the handbook and in the DBS section of this

Charity trustees safeguarding responsibilities - Read this new infomation page. (this is appendix 7 in the  2022 update to our Handbook) 

Risk assessments:

A risk assessment is a useful way of thinking through the risks and potential problems that may occur in any activity. It helps you to come up with solutions, it shows that you have planned carefully and helps you to take the reasonable steps necessary to keep everyone safe and also to protect the reputation of the organisation.  It is also a good way to share important information with other members of the team to ensure that everybody is following the best practice possible to operate in a safe and accountable manner.  Click here for our step by step guide and form.