Safeguarding Policy Statement

Every person has a value and dignity as God’s creation, made in his image and likeness. Therefore, we are committed to the safeguarding of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, following government and thirtyone:eight guidelines, to ensure the protection and care of individuals, good working practice, and safe recruitment of workers.

Summary of policy

• We believe that every child, young person and adult should be valued, safe and happy, and that they have the right to be treated with respect, listened to, and protected from all forms of abuse. We want the children and adults we come into contact with to know this, and be empowered to tell us if they are suffering harm.
• We believe that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church community, to help prevent abuse and neglect of children or vulnerable adults and to report any possible concerns.
• We respect the rights of children as defined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and are committed to following the requirements for UK legislation in relation to safeguarding children and good practice recommendations.
• We adhere to the policies of the safeguarding advisory service thirtyone:eight (formerly known as the CCPAS), who can be contacted for advice, referenced for resources, or reached as a point of contact if an individual cannot or wishes not to contact King’s Church safeguarding officers directly.
• We believe all adults should enjoy and have access to every aspect of the life of the church, unless they pose a risk to the safety of those we serve. We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of all those who will work with children or vulnerable adults, including use of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosures. We are committed to challenging the abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust, and to following up any allegations made.
• We ensure the training of every individual involved in taking care of children or adults on safeguarding procedures, ensuring that they know and agree to abide by these recommendations and guidelines established.
• We seek to support parents, carers and families in the role of nurturing and protecting children and young people.
• We will seek to offer pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them the appropriate support.
• We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including the appropriate steps of supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community, or visitor, known to have offended against a child, young person, or vulnerable adult.

A copy of the full Safeguarding Policy can be obtained on request from safeguarding@kcd.org.uk

Safeguarding Team

• Katherine Jacklin, Safeguarding Coordinator
• Seymour Jacklin, Deputy Safeguarding Coordinator
• Ruth Bonnington, Deputy Safeguarding Coordinator

Our safeguarding coordinator is the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the safety or welfare of a child, young person or vulnerable adult.

If you have any concerns please email safeguarding@kcd.org.uk or call thirtyone:eight 0303 003 1111

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