St John’s United Reformed Church Orpington is committed to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk, and to ensure their well being. We have both a Safeguarding Statement & Policy that are outlined below
Safeguarding Statement
Safeguarding is taken seriously by St John’s URC, Orpington.
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.
Signed Jackie Pasifull Dated: 8th September 2024
Name: Jackie Pasifull
(on behalf of the Elders at St John’s)
St Johns URC Safeguarding Policy
Important notice
(This document is supported by the following seven main appendices, all can be found on the URC website or by request from our safeguarding team)
A1 – Safeguarding policy statement
A2 – The role of a Safeguarding Co-ordinator
A3 – Code of conduct for working with children or young people
A4 – Code of conduct for working with adults at risk
A5 – Safeguarding incident recording form
A6 – Signs and symptoms of abuse
A7 – Guidance on safeguarding for Local Ecumenical Partnerships
All appendices can be found here: https://urc.org.uk/good-practice-policy-and-procedures.html
Or ask a member of the safeguarding team
Aim and purpose of this policy
The aim of this policy is to ensure that protecting people from abuse, harm or neglect is central to our culture. It provides procedures for promoting safeguarding, preventing abuse and protecting children, adults at risk and staff. This includes clear procedures for taking appropriate action when safeguarding concerns are raised.
Who this policy applies to
This policy is approved and endorsed by the Elders and applies to:
- All members of our church
- All those who attend and serve our church/place of worship and its services
- Our Trustees and Elders
- Paid staff (both internal and external eg contractors or consultants)
- Volunteers
- Organisations and groups which hire our building with written agreement to operate under the church safeguarding policy.
Principles underpinning the policy
- Our theology and values
- Our commitment to put the welfare of children and adults at risk first
- A willingness to be open and listen
- A commitment to comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
Definitions
The term ‘children’ refers to those under the age of 18 years.
The term ‘adult at risk’ refers to any adult aged 18 or over who, by reason of mental or other disability, age, illness or other situation, are permanently, or for the time being, unable to take care of themselves, or to protect themselves against significant harm, abuse or exploitation.
Duty of care and confidentiality
We have a duty of care to all beneficiaries of the church, whether children or adults.
We will always maintain confidentiality, except in circumstances where to do so would place the individual or another individual at risk of harm or abuse.
Creating a safer culture
We are committed to creating a safer culture in our church which will help us to prevent harm from occurring and provide an environment in which all can flourish. In line with Chapter two of Good Practice 6, we will:
- Appoint two Church Safeguarding Coordinators and ensure contact details are available for anyone to report a concern
- Have a safeguarding policy which is reviewed annually and updated when necessary
- Practice safer recruitment procedures for paid and volunteer roles
- Ensure all those working with children and/or adults at risk are given copies of relevant Codes of Conduct
- Follow the requirements of the training framework
- Comply with legal requirements in respect of data protection
- Complete the Annual Church Safeguarding Return
- Ensure safeguarding is a regular agenda item for church and Elders’ meetings.
Ensuring safer activities
Whilst it is not possible to guard against every eventuality, we are committed to providing as safe an environment as possible for activities both on and off church premises. In line with Chapter three of Good Practice 6, we will:
- Promote awareness of different kinds of abuse, other vulnerabilities and types of
- safeguarding concern
- Seek to create a ‘listening culture’ and help people develop listening skills to respond appropriately in situations where sensitive information is disclosed
- Inform the Synod Safeguarding Officer as a minimum of any situations where involvement
- from statutory services is/may be required
- Share information with statutory services as appropriate and co-operate with them during any investigations
- Report any serious safeguarding incident to the Charity Commission and notify the Synod Safeguarding Officer.
Managing allegations and people who may pose a risk to others
Where allegations are made against individuals within the Church, we are committed to following all required investigative and regulatory procedures. We will work in collaboration with the Synod, wider Church staff, statutory agencies and other relevant organisations. In line with Chapter five of Good Practice 6, we will:
- Co-operate fully with any investigative or disciplinary procedures
- Inform the Synod Safeguarding Officer immediately on becoming aware of anyone in the church who may present a risk to others
- Work with the Synod Safeguarding Officer and contribute relevant information for risk assessments
- Alert the Synod Safeguarding Officer or statutory agencies to known breaches of a safeguarding agreement.
Key contacts -Church Safeguarding Coordinators:
Jackie Pasifull (07920 236566) and Tina Wheeler (07818 390995) Joint Email: safeguarding@stjohnsurc.org.uk
Synod Safeguarding Officer: Belinda Herbert – 07716 640596 Email: safeguarding@urcsouthern.org.uk
URC Safeguarding Office (This should only be used if you are unable to contact your Synod Safeguarding Office) Email: safeguarding@urc.org.uk
Local statutory services: Children – 8.30am – 5pm Mon-Fri 0208 461 7373 or 0208 461 7379
Contact details, including an out of hours number: 0300 303 8671
Local statutory services: Adults – 8.30am to 5pm Mon-Fri 0208 461 7777
Contact details, including an out of hours number: 0300 303 8671
Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, updated as required and adopted by the church meeting. Date of most recent review: 8th September 2024
Date of next review: September 2025
Signed by: Jackie Pasifull
(On behalf of the church Elders)