Hope Church Beaconsfield Statement on Safeguarding
SAFEGUARDING PROCEDURES FOR CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE and VULNERABLE ADULTS
November 2024
SECTION 1 – SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT
The vision of the Church is: Helping all people find their place in God’s family and their purpose on God’s mission.
In fulfilling this vision the Church has a programme of activities covering various groups & ages and welcomes everyone into the life of our community.
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 Hannah Walne Smith as the Designated Person for Safeguarding (“DPS”) and Anna Lovell is her deputy (“DDPS”). Their responsibilities are to:
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advise the Trustees and Church on any matters related to the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults
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operate the agreed policy
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take the appropriate action when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected.
Stefanie Herath is the Safeguarding Trustee appointed to oversee and monitor implementation of the policy and procedures on behalf of the Church's charity trustees.
Contact Details for any questions or for reporting of concerns:
DPS: Hannah Walne Smith
DDPS: Anna Lovell
Safeguarding Trustee: Stefanie Herath
To report a concern or for more information email: safeguarding@hopebeaconsfield.co.uk or complete a form, found on the notice board by the back door.
Other contact numbers:
Bucks County Council’s First Response Team (Children) on 01296 383962 (out of hours: 0800 999 7677).
Bucks County Council’s Safeguarding Adults Team on 0800 137915 (out of hours 0800 999 7677).
Thirtyone Eight (formerly called CCPAS), who we use for DBS checks, can also be contacted for advice on:
0303 003 1111 (Mon-Fri 9.00 to 5.00}
Policy and procedures
A copy of this policy statement will be displayed permanently on a notice board. Full copies of the Hope Church Safeguarding Policy and Procedures will be made available on request and can be accessed directly by Church Members via Churchsuite. The policy and procedures will be monitored and reviewed annually and updated, as necessary, by the Trustees.