Safeguarding Policy Statement

Our vision

Kingswood Baptist Church (KBC) is a fellowship of Christians committed to being and making disciples of Jesus Christ.

This policy statement outlines the commitment of the church regarding its duty of care for the protection of all, especially children and young people under the age of 18 and adults at risk regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability as set out in The Children Act 1989 and 2004, Safe from Harm (HM Government 1994), Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government 2018) and Safeguarding Policy & Procedures (BUGB 2017).

In fulfilling this vision, the church:

· Organises, facilitates and delivers programmes of activities for children, young people and adults at risk.

· Provides a welcoming and safe environment for the children, young people and adults at risk.

· May on occasions be utilised by other community and statutory groups following the safeguarding policies of the church.

As members of KBC, we commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection and safekeeping of all associated with the church and will pray for them regularly.

In pursuit of this as a church we commit to a robust children, young people and adults at risk Safeguarding Policy, its processes regarding safer recruitment for all paid staff and volunteers working with children, young people and adults at risk.

Our safeguarding responsibilities

KBC recognises its responsibilities in safeguarding all children, young people and adults at risk, regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability.

As members of this church we commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection and safekeeping of all associated with the church and will pray for them regularly. In pursuit of this, we commit ourselves to this policy and to the development of sound procedures to ensure we implement our policy well.

Prevention and Reporting of Abuse

It is the duty of each church member to help prevent the abuse of children and adults at risk, and the duty of each church member to respond to concerns about the well-being of children and adults at risk. Any abuse disclosed, discovered or suspected will be reported in accordance with our procedures. The church will fully co-operate with any statutory investigation into any suspected abuse linked with the church.

Safe recruitment, support and supervision of workers

The church will adopt a code of behaviour for all who are appointed to work with children and adults at risk so that all children and adults are shown the respect that is due to them.

Respecting children, and adults at risk

The church will adopt a code of behaviour for all who are appointed to work with children, young people and adults at risk, so that all children, young people and adults at risk are shown the respect that is due to them.

Safe working practices

The church is committed to providing an environment that is as safe as possible for children, young people and adults at risk, and will adopt ways of working with them that promote their safety and well-being.

A safer community

The church is committed to the prevention of bullying. The church will seek to ensure that the behaviour of any individuals who may pose a risk to children, young people and adults at risk in the community of the church is managed appropriately.

Putting our policy into practice

A copy of the safeguarding policy statement will be displayed permanently on the church noticeboard in the vestibule area and in the church office. A copy is also available on our church website.

Each worker with children, young people and adults at risk whether paid or voluntary, will be given a full copy of the policy and procedures and be required to follow them.

A full copy of the policy and procedures will be made available to any member of the church, the parents or carers of children, young people and adults at risk from the church, or any other person associated with the church.

The policy and procedures will be monitored and reviewed at least annually.

The policy statement will be read annually at the church meeting. It will be monitored together with a report on the outcome of the annual review.

Safeguarding contact points within KBC

The church has appointed the following individuals to form part of KBC’s safeguarding team:

Claire Clunn, Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS)

They will advise the church on any matters related to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk and take the appropriate action when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected.

Phone number: 07766 490074, Email address: safeguarding@kingswoodbaptistchurch.co.uk

Sean Clunn, Deputy Designated Person for Safeguarding (DDPS)

They will assist the Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS) in helping the church on any matters related to the safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk and take the appropriate action when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected.

Phone number: 07941 664791, Email address: safeguarding@kingswoodbaptistchurch.co.uk

Joel Oshoja, Safeguarding Trustee

They will raise the profile of safeguarding within the church and oversee and monitor the implementation of the safeguarding policy and procedures on behalf of the church trustees.

Phone number: 07805 706541, Email address: joeloshoja@kingswoodbaptistchurch.co.uk

The church minister(s) are an important part of the Church Safeguarding Team. Where possible, the Church Safeguarding Team will work together as and when issues arise. However, each person has a responsibility to report allegations of abuse as soon as they are raised to the Designated Person or deputising responsible person.