Safeguarding

Safeguarding Policy
 

Aim and purpose of this policy

The aim of this policy is to ensure that protecting people from abuse, harm or neglect is

central to our culture. It provides procedures for promoting safeguarding, preventing abuse

and protecting children, adults at risk and staff. This includes clear procedures for taking

appropriate action when safeguarding concerns are raised.

As a group, we hire building space from the St. Andrews with Castle Gate United Reformed Church and therefore operate under the church safeguarding policy. 

Who does this policy applies to?
This policy is approved and endorsed by the Leadership Team and applies to:

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• The Leadership Team and volunteers

• All those who attend our group sessions.

• Anyone outside our group who are invited to attend our group’s session.
   

Principles underpinning the policy

• Our theology and values

• Our commitment to put the welfare of children and adults at risk first

• A willingness to be open and listen

• A commitment to comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

 

Definitions

The term ‘children’ refers to those under the age of 18 years.

The term ‘adult at risk’ refers to any adult aged 18 or over who, by reason of mental or

other disability, age, illness or other situation, are permanently, or for the time being,

unable to take care of themselves, or to protect themselves against significant harm, abuse

or exploitation.

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Duty of care and confidentiality

We have a duty of care to all beneficiaries of this group, whether children or adults.

We will always maintain confidentiality, except in circumstances where to do so would place

the individual or another individual at risk of harm or abuse.

Creating a safer culture

We are committed to creating a safer culture in our group which will help us to prevent

harm from occurring and provide an environment in which all can flourish.

In line with Chapter two of Good Practice 6, published by the United Reformed Church, we will:

• Appoint a Safeguarding Lead and ensure contact details are available

for anyone to report a concern.

• Have a safeguarding policy which is reviewed annually and updated when necessary.

• Practice safer recruitment procedures for paid and volunteer roles.

• Ensure all those working with children and/or adults at risk are given copies of

relevant Codes of Conduct.

• Follow the requirements of the training framework.

• Comply with legal requirements in respect of data protection.

• Ensure safeguarding is a regular agenda item for Leadership meetings.

Ensuring safer activities

Whilst it is not possible to guard against every eventuality, we are committed to providing

as safe an environment as possible during our events. 

In line with Chapter three of Good Practice 6, we will:

• Ensure appropriate insurance is in place for buildings and activities.

• Consider the implications of data protection and health and safety requirements for

specific activities.

• Carry out risk assessments for relevant activities or events.

• Ensure adequate staffing for activities and that leaders have suitable training, are

aware of relevant guidance and agree to follow relevant Codes of Conduct

• Seek advice from the United Reformed Church Synod Safeguarding Officer for complex or sensitive risks.

Recognising and responding to concerns

We acknowledge that, although promoting Safer Culture and Safer Activities will help to

protect all those in contact with the OpenHouse, some concerns will inevitably arise and we are

committed to responding well in such circumstances.

In line with Chapter four of Good Practice 6, we will:

• Promote awareness of different kinds of abuse, other vulnerabilities and types of

safeguarding concern.

• Seek to create a ‘listening culture’ and help people develop listening skills to respond

appropriately in situations where sensitive information is disclosed.

• Inform the Synod Safeguarding Officer as a minimum of any situations where

involvement from statutory services is/may be required.

• Share information with statutory services as appropriate and co-operate with them

during any investigations.

• Report any serious safeguarding incident to the Charity Commission and notify the

Synod Safeguarding Officer.

 

Managing allegations and people who may pose a risk to others.

Where allegations are made against individuals within the group, we are committed to

following all required investigative and regulatory procedures. We will work in collaboration

with the Synod, wider Church staff, statutory agencies and other relevant organisations.

 

In line with Chapter five of Good Practice 6, we will:

• Co-operate fully with any investigative or disciplinary procedures.

• Inform the Synod Safeguarding Officer immediately on becoming aware of anyone in

the group who may present a risk to others.

• Work with the Synod Safeguarding Officer and contribute relevant information for

risk assessments.

• Alert the Synod Safeguarding Officer or statutory agencies to known breaches of a

safeguarding agreement.

 

Supporting victims and survivors

The key principle underpinning our policy and practice in this area is that all those who have

experienced abuse, whether recently or in the past will be listened to and offered the

pastoral care and support they deem appropriate and relevant, irrespective of type of

abuse, context, or when this occurred.

 

In line with Chapter six of Good Practice 6, we will:

• Be aware of local support services that people can be referred or directed to

• Ensure those in relevant roles attend appropriate training

• Seek advice from the Synod Safeguarding Officer about provision of appropriate

support when necessary.

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If there is an emergency and you or someone else is in danger, call 999

 

If you have any concern whatsoever and you wish to report it to us, please contact Garrett, our Safeguarding Lead at

TheOpenHouse_Safeguarding@proton.me

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If you wish to contact the United Reformed Church regarding your concern:

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St. Andrew's with Castle Gate United Reformed Church

Church Safeguarding Coordinator

NOEL WORLEY

secretary@standrewswithcastlegate.org.uk

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United Reformed Church - East Midlands Synod

Synod Safeguarding Officer

BEN TWELVES

safeguarding@urc5.org.uk

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United Reformed Church National Safeguarding Office

URC Safeguarding Office (This should only be used if you are unable to contact your Synod

Safeguarding Office)

Email: safeguarding@urc.org.uk

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Local statutory services:

Nottingham City Council

0115 876 4800

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Nottinghamshire County Council

0300 500 8080

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