Policy Statement on Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults at Risk
Basford Road Baptist Church
(referred to as "the church" in the Policy statement)
The mission statment of the church is "Putting Jesus Christ at the heart of the Community".
In fulfilling this vision:
- we welcome children into the life of our community
- we have a programme of events for children and adults at risk
- we make our premises available to organizations working with children and adults at risk
The church recognises its responsibilities for the safeguarding of all children, young people and adults at risk regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability. This Policy is based on the Best Guidance for Baptist Union of Great Britain Churches May 2023.
As members of the 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 the following policies and to the development of procedures to ensure their implementation.
Prevention and reporting of abuse
It is the duty of each church member to prevent the physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children, and the duty of each church member to respond to concerns about the well-being of children and to report any child abuse disclosed, discovered or suspected. The church will fully co-operate with any statutory investigation into any suspected abuse linked with the church.
Safe 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 volunteer. 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 so that all children and adults at risk are shown the respect that is due to them.
Safe working practices
The church is committed to providing a safe environment for activities with children and adults at risk and will adopt ways of working with them that promote their safety and well-being.
A Safe community
The church is committed to the prevention of bullying. The church will seek to ensure that the behaviour of any who may pose a risk to children, young people and adults at risk in the community of the church is managed appropriately.
Basford Road Baptist Church Safeguarding Team
Basford Road has a Designated Person for Safeguarding, a Safeguarding Trustee and a cover for the Designated person for when they are away. Contact details available in church.
Where possible, the Safeguarding Team will work together if issues arise.
A copy of the policy statement will be displayed permanently on the notice board at the back of Church and is available on our church website. Each worker with children and/or adults at risk will be given a full copy of the policy and procedures and will be asked to sign to confirm that they are willing to 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 will be monitored and reviewed bi-annually. The policy statement will be read annually at the church AGM, along with any changes or additions.