Safeguarding
Safeguarding Policy Statement
We define safeguarding as the promotion of the safety and welfare of children and adults who are at risk of,
or experiencing harm, abuse or neglect in all forms. We acknowledge children’s and adults’ right to protection
from any form of abuse or neglect regardless of age, gender reassignment, race, disability, sexual
orientation, religion or belief, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity. Therefore, as members
and workers of the church, we are committed to:
• the care and nurture of all children and adults
• the safeguarding and protection of all children and adults at risk
• the establishment of a loving church environment which is safe and caring for all people and where the
dignity of each person is respected
• an informed vigilance about the dangers of all forms of abuse, harm and neglect within all aspects of
work in the Church, and how to respond appropriately
• ensuring everyone who engages with the life of the Church is responsible for keeping people safe
• working together with voluntary/statutory agencies and other denominations and faith-based organisations.
We recognise that we all have a responsibility to help prevent any form of abuse and neglect of children and
adults, and ensure the well-being and pastoral care of those who are or may be at risk.
We will prevent abuse for extremist or other purposes and put all suitable health and safety arrangements in
place as well as safeguarding, first aid, fire safety and online safety policies that everyone understands.
We will create and maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all, especially children and adults at risk, in
which the dignity and rights of each person are respected.
We believe that domestic abuse in all its forms is unacceptable and inconsistent with a Christian way of living
and it can affect both adults and children.
We will always acknowledge that the welfare of the child and adult at risk is paramount, and that the priority
is always to act in their best interests, following legislation, statutory guidance and recognised good practice
guidance to enable them access to support and protection.
We will support everyone to ensure that as a place of worship all will work within the agreed procedures of
our safeguarding policy. The Safeguarding Coordinator or the Deputy Safeguarding Coordinator (when
available) are the persons to whom all concerns or allegations should be addressed for appropriate actions
to be taken. In the absence of a Safeguarding Coordinator, the Synod Safeguarding Officer should be
contacted. Their contact details will be always available in our posters, websites, or other communications
with the public.
Long Buckby United Reformed Church