fSafeguarding is taken seriously by the members of Lynch Chapel •
We acknowledge both adults and children’s right to protection from abuse regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or beliefs. We consider that, in accordance with legislation, the welfare of children is paramount. We follow legislation, statutory guidance and recognised good practice. • We seek to establish a caring environment in which there is an informed vigilance about the dangers of abuse. • We implement, maintain and regularly review the procedures outlined in this policy, which are designed to prevent and to be alert to such abuse. • We have appointed a Safeguarding Coordinator and Deputy Safeguarding Coordinator, who will have specific responsibilities for safeguarding, although we recognise that safeguarding is a whole church responsibility. • We organise activities in such a way as to promote a safe environment and minimise the risk of harm to children and adults at risk. • We follow a safer recruitment process for the selection and appointment of people to work with children or adults in need of protection, whether voluntary or paid, lay or ordained. • We are committed to providing support and supervision, resources and training, to those who work with children and adults at risk. • We 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, which could include partners of offenders. • We believe that domestic abuse in all its forms is unacceptable and inconsistent with a Christian way of living and can affect both adults and children. All concerns and allegations of abuse, including domestic abuse, will be responded to appropriately, including referring to the Police and Social Care if necessary, either Adult or Children’s. We will co-operate with the Police, Children’s and Adult’s Services 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 or ordained - that meet the relevant criteria, to the Local Authority Designated Officer.
Our statement of safeguarding Principles are available on request.
The Safeguarding Co-ordinator is the person to whom all concerns or allegations should be addressed. They can be contacted as detailed below Name Elizabeth Holmes Contact phone number 01934 733886 07927308675 Email address holmeselizabeth78@gmail.com In the absence of the Safeguarding Co-ordinator, the Deputy Safeguarding Co-ordinator can be contacted as detailed below Name Revd Duncan Tuck Contact phone number 01934 707143 Email address duncan.carol@uwclub.net Aim and purpose of this Policy The aim of this policy is to provide procedures for promoting safeguarding, preventing abuse and protecting the vulnerable, children, adults at risk and staff. This includes clear procedures for taking appropriate action following the raising of safeguarding concerns involving children and adults at risk within our Church, or those who attend our activities and events. Who this policy applies to This policy is approved and endorsed by the Elders and applies: ï‚· to those who attend our Church/place of worship; ï‚· to our trustees and staff (both paid and voluntary) ï‚· to organisations which hire our building with agreement to operate under the church safeguarding policy The policy and procedures should be interpreted in the light of the most recent United Reformed Church good practice guidance. Children and parents/carers will be informed of this policy, and our procedures.
A downloadable copy of our policy is available here:Safeguarding policy