Safeguarding Policy Statement

Statement of Safeguarding Principles

Safeguarding is taken seriously by Elmwood Avenue United Reformed Church (URC) Church.

We define safeguarding as the promotion of the safety and welfare of 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 regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage/civil partnership status, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity.

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

Working with statutory agencies, voluntary organisations and other churches.

This means that we will:

Carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with Safer Recruitment principles, including the use of Disclosure and Barring checks.

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, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation.

Seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.

Seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.

Seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child or adult.

Review our safeguarding policy, practices and procedures annually. Follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice.