Safeguarding Policy

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - This document provides a concise summary of Church's policies, procedures and guidance.

Safeguarding awareness and 'Good Practice' training is organised at the local church level by the Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP).

The local Conference/Mission is responsible for the training of local church DSPs. Please contact your Conference/Mission for dates of training. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for all those who lead or volunteer for work with children and adults at risk. The local church DBS Clerk ensures that these checks are conducted. The local church DBS Clerk receives training and guidance from the Conference Executive Secretariat Department or from the BUC Executive Secretariat Department for the Missions.

The DSP and DBS Clerk are distinctive roles but in smaller churches, the role can be held by the same person.

Policy

Section A - Policy Statement

Section B - Safeguarding within the Diversty of the Christian Family

Domestic Abuse policy

Procedures

Section C - Safer Recruitment

Section D – Managing Staff, Church Members and Volunteers

Section E - Training

Section F - Working Safely

Section G - Responding to Concerns

Section H - Caring for those Affected by Abuse

Section I - Implementation of Policy

National Procedures -England

Section J - Protection of Adults at Risk of Harm

Section K - Protection of Children from Harm

Section L - Public Protection

Legislation and Protection of Children and Adults at Risk

Flowchart - How to Respond to Concerns of Possible Abuse

National Procedures - Scotland

Section J - Protection of Adults at Risk of Harm

Section K - Protection of Children from Harm

Section L - Public Protection

Legislation and Protection of Children and Adults at Risk

Flowchart - How to Respond to Concerns of Possible Abuse

National Procedures - Ireland

Section J - Protection of Adults at Risk of Harm

Section K - Protection of Children from Harm

Section L - Public Protection

Legislation and Protection of Children and Adults at Risk - Northern Ireland

Legislation and Protection of Children and Adults at Risk - Republic of Ireland

Flowchart - How to Respond to Concerns of Possible Abuse

National Procedures - Wales

Section J - Protection of Adults at Risk of Harm

Section K - Protection of Children from Harm

Section L - Public Protection

Legislation and Protection of Children and Adults at Risk

Flowchart - How to Respond to Concerns of Possible Abuse

Appendices

National References & Resources

Appendix 1 - Safeguarding - A Biblical Mandate

Appendix 2 - Code of Conduct

Appendix 3 - Safeguarding Roles and Responsibilities

Appendix 4 - Sample Role Description

Appendix 5 - Self-Declaration Form

Appendix 6 - Request for Reference

Appendix 7 - Reference Form

Appendix 8 - Church Safeguarding Statement

Appendix 9 - Safeguarding Contact Details

Appendix 10a - Risk Assessment Guide

Appendix 10b - Activities and Events Risk Assessment

Appendix 11 - Hire of Church Premises Safeguarding Agreement

Appendix 12 - Online and Digital Safety

Appendix 13a - Photographs and Filming

Appendix 13b - Photographs and Filming Consent Form

Appendix 14 - Responding to Abuse – Recording Guidance and Form

Appendix 15 - Responding to Concerns Flowchart

Appendix 16 - How to Make a Referral

Appendix 17 - Grooming

Appendix 18 - Criminal Explotation and Gangs

Appendix 19 - The Impact of Pornography on Children

Appendix 20 - Safeguarding Looked-After Children

Appendix 21 - Spiritual Abuse

Appendix 22 - Agreement of Care

Appendix 23 - BUC Anti-Bullying Policy

Appendix 24 - BUC Whistleblowing Policy

Appendix 25 - BUC Complaints Policy