Safeguarding Policy Statement
The vision of Lawrence Saunders Road Baptist Church ("the church") is: to encounter the living God as a Christ-like community, making disciples and transforming the world with the love of God.
In fulfilling this vision the church . . . . . .
- has a programme of activities with children, young people and adults at risk
- welcomes children, young people and adults at risk into the life of our community
- from time to time makes our premises available to organisations working with children, young people and adults at risk
The church 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 safeguarding of all children, young people and adults at risk associated with the church and will pray for them regularly.
In pursuit of this we commit ourselves to the following policies and to the development of procedures to ensure their implementation.
Prevention and reporting of abuse and responding to concern
It is the duty of each church member and each member of the wider church family to prevent the physical, sexual, spiritual and emotional abuse of children, young people and adults at risk and the duty of all to respond to concerns about the well-being of children, young people and adults at risk and to report any abuse disclosed, discovered or suspected. 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 exercise proper care in the selection and appointment of those working with children and young people and adults at risk, whether paid or voluntary. All workers will be provided with appropriate training, support and supervision to promote the safeguarding of all.
Safe behaviour: a code of behaviour for workers
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 are shown the respect that is due to them.
Safe practice and safe premises
The church is committed to providing a safe environment for activities with children, young people and adults at risk and will adopt ways of working with them that promote their safety and well-being.
A safe community
The church is committed to the prevention of bullying of children, young people and adults at risk. The church will seek to ensure that the behaviour of any who may pose a risk to children, young people or adults at risk in the church community are managed appropriately.
Responsible People
The church has appointed Bena Kansara as the Safeguarding Trustee to oversee and monitor implementation of the policy and procedures on behalf of the church's charity trustees.
The church has appointed Jayne Parkes as the Designated Person for Safeguarding, and Bena Kansara as Deputy Designated Person for Safeguarding, to:-
- advise the church on any matters related to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk
- take the appropriate action when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected
- manage recruitment systems ensuring that all records are up to date and that all information is kept in a confidential manner.
Policy and procedures
A copy of the policy statement will be displayed permanently on the notice board in the foyer.
Each worker with children, young people or vulnerable adults, whether paid or voluntary, will be given a full copy of the policy and procedures and will be required to follow them.
A full copy of the policy and procedures will be made available on request to any Member of the church, the parents or carers of any child, young person or 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 Annual General Meeting.