Definitions Of Terms

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For the purpose of this guide, the term ‘child’ refers to anyone under the age of 18 years. 
There is no standard single definition for an adult at risk, so for our policy we are using the following simple definition taken from CCPAS (Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service):

 ‘Any adult aged 18 or over who due to disability, mental function, age, illness or traumatic circumstances may not be able to take care or protect themselves against the risk of significant harm, abuse, bullying, harassment, mistreatment or exploitation’.

 

Safeguarding Policy Statement

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Safeguarding Policy Statement For Eltham Park Baptist Church.

The Vision of Eltham Park Baptist Church is: Faith To Share And Care. 

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.

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Definitions

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For the purpose of this policy, the term ‘child’ refers to anyone under the age of 18 years. 
For the purpose of this policy we are using the following definition of an 'adult at risk':
‘Any adult aged 18 or over who due to disability, mental function, age, illness or traumatic circumstances may not be able to take care or protect themselves against the risk of significant harm, abuse, bullying, harassment, mistreatment or exploitation’.  CCPAS (Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service)

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Our Safeguarding Responsibilities

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Eltham Park Baptist Church recognises its responsibilities in safeguarding all children and adults at risk, regardless of gender, ethnicity, LGBTQ+ or ability. 
As members of this Church we commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection and safekeeping of all associated with our 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.

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For further support on Domestic Abuse, please click this link: Royal Borough of Greenwich

•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. All workers will be DBS checked. The church will pray regularly for all those who work with children and adults at risk, recognising the difficulties and demands of such work. 

•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 and adults at risk in the community of the church is managed appropriately.
The church will support and encourage parents as they face the challenge of bringing up children.  We will endeavour to provide an environment where parents may find help and understanding. 

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Safeguarding Contact Points Within Our Church

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The church has appointed the following individuals to form part of the Church Safeguarding Team:

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Trish Bailey-Barcley, Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS)
Trish 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. 
Email:    safeguarding@epbc.org.uk

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Paul Jones, Deputy Designated Person for Safeguarding (DDPS)
Paul will assist the Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS) in helping 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. 
Email:    safeguarding@epbc.org.uk

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Rachel Priddle, Safeguarding Trustee 
Rachel 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.
Email:    safeguarding@epbc.org.uk

Our church minister, is 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.

 

Putting Our Policy Into Practice 

•A copy of the safeguarding policy statement is displayed permanently on the church noticeboard, in the church office and is available on our church website.

•Each worker with children and/or adults at risk is given a full copy of the safeguarding policy and procedures and will be asked to sign to confirm that they will follow them.

•A full copy of the policy and procedures will be made available on request to any member of, or other person associated with the church.

•The policy and procedures are monitored and reviewed annually, and any necessary revisions adopted into the policy and implemented through our procedures.

•The policy statement is read annually at the church AGM, together with a report on the outcome of the annual safeguarding review.
 

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Read our full Safeguarding Procedure here.