SAFEGUARDING

Our vision

The vision statement of South Street Baptist Church is, ‘to be one church of diverse

gatherings, where all feel safe, grow in wholeness, and discover and express the

unconditional love of God revealed in Jesus.’

In fulfilling this vision, we:

·         Welcome children and adults at risk into the life of our community

·         Run activities for children and adults at risk

·         Make our premises available to organisations working with children and adults

at risk

Our safeguarding responsibilities

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

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.

·         Safer recruitment, support and supervision of workers

The church will exercise proper care in the selection and appointment of those

working with children and adults at risk, whether paid or voluntary. All workers will be

provided with appropriate training, support and supervision to promote the

safekeeping of children and adults at risk.

·         Respecting children and adults at risk

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.

·         Safer working practices

The church is committed to providing an environment that is as safe as possible for

children 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.

Safeguarding contact points within our church

The church has appointed the following individuals to form part of the church

safeguarding team:

Roger Anderson, Designated Person for Safeguarding 

He will advise the church on any matters related to the safeguarding of children and

adults at risk and take the appropriate action when abuse is disclosed, discovered or

suspected.

Rev Ross Maynard, Safeguarding Deacon

He 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.

Our church ministers are also an important part of the Church Safeguarding

Team.  Where possible, the Church Safeguarding Team will work together if and

when issues arise. However, each person has a responsibility to report allegations of

abuse as soon as they are raised.