PURLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
Safeguarding Policy for Children
Young People and Adults at Risk
Purley United Reformed Church, along with the whole Christian community, believes each person has a value and dignity which comes directly from God’s creation of human beings in God’s own image and likeness. This implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm. We acknowledge that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church.
1. 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 e.g. contractors or consultants)
- Volunteers.
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 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.
2. 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 (one for children and young people and one for adults) 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.
3. 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:
- Ensure appropriate insurance is in place for buildings and activities
- Consider the implications of data protection and health and safety requirements for specific activities
Carry out risk assessments for relevant activities or events
- Ensure adequate staffing for activities and that leaders have suitable training, are aware of
relevant guidance and agree to follow relevant Codes of Conduct
- Ensure the hirer’s agreement is in place for other organisations using church premises
- Seek advice from the Synod Safeguarding Officer for complex or sensitive risks.
4. Recognising and responding to concerns
We acknowledge that, although promoting Safer Culture and Safer Activities will help to protect all those in contact with the church, some concerns will inevitably arise and we are committed to responding well in such circumstances.
In line with Chapter four 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.
5.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.
6. Supporting victims and survivors
The key principle underpinning our policy and practice in this area is that all those who have experienced abuse, whether recently or in the past ‘will be listened to and offered the pastoral care and support they deem appropriate and relevant, irrespective of type of abuse, context, or when this occurred’ (General Assembly policy statement 2021).
In line with Chapter six of Good Practice 6, we will:
- Recognise that the Elders’ meeting has responsibility for provision of pastoral care
- Be aware of local support services that people can be referred or directed to
- Ensure those in relevant roles attend appropriate training
- Seek advice from the Synod Safeguarding Officer about provision of appropriate support when necessary.
7. Key contacts
Purley URC church Safeguarding Coordinator – Youth and Children
Name and contact details:
Jill Berry
Purley URC Safeguarding Coordinator – Adults at Risk
Name and contact details:
Jill Denison
Synod Safeguarding Officer
Name and contact details:
The Synod Safeguarding Officer is on maternity leave, Natalie Van Camp is providing cover during this time – [email protected]
URC Safeguarding Office (This should only be used if you are unable to contact your Synod Safeguarding Office)
Croydon Council services: Children
If someone is in immediate danger, call the police on 999
If you have an urgent concern about a child that needs an immediate response, please contact 0208 255 2888 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) or our Emergency Duty Team on 0208 726 6400 outside of these hours.
Croydon Council services: Adults
If someone is in immediate danger, call the police on 999
If the safeguarding concern is critical you can ring Croydon Adult Support on 020 8726 6500. We will receive and prioritise your report during office hours (Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm, except public holidays)
Urgent concerns that require immediate attention should be reported via telephone using 020 8726 6500. If reporting out of office hours ask for the Duty Social Worker.
8. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, updated as required and adopted by the church meeting. Date of most recent review: 24 November 2024
Date of next review: 23 November 2025
Signed by: Gillian Harrison
Church Secretary
(On behalf of the church Elders)
9. Details of other organisations and support services
See posters in the church foyer or details on the church website
