Safeguarding

Eynsham Baptist Church Safeguarding Policy Statement Revised November 2023

The vision of Eynsham Baptist Church (EBC) is to share the good news about the Kingdom of God revealed in Jesus Christ to all people regardless of age, ability, ethnicity or gender.

In fulfilling this vision we

  • Welcome children and adults at risk into the life of our community.
  • Run activities for children and adults at risk.
  • Make our premises available to organisations/groups working with children and adults at risk.

Our safeguarding responsibilities

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.

Safe recruitment, support and supervision of workers

EBC 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

EBC will adopt a code of behaviour to be followed by all who work with children and adults at risk so that they are shown the respect that is due to them.

Safer working practices

EBC 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

EBC is committed to the prevention of bullying. We will seek to ensure that the behaviour of any individual who may pose a risk to children and young people, and adults at risk, in the community of the church, is managed appropriately

EBC has appointed the following individuals Designated Persons for Safeguarding (DPS) to form part of the Church Safeguarding Team.

They will advise the church on any matters related to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk and take the appropriate action when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected

The Safeguarding Trustee will raise the profile of safeguarding within the church and oversee and monitor the implementation of the safeguarding policy and procedures on behalf of the church trustees. Our safeguarding trustee is Maureen Thompson.

Our minister is also an important part of EBC’s safeguarding team. Where possible the safeguarding team will work together if and when issues arise. However each person has a responsibility to report allegations of abuse as soon as they are raised.

Putting our policy into practice.

  • A copy of the safeguarding policy statement will be displayed permanently on the church noticeboard in the hall and is available on our church website.
  • Each worker with children and/or adults at risk will be given a full copy of the safeguarding policy and procedures, and will be asked to sign to confirm that they will follow them.
  • A full copy of the policy and procedures will be made available on request to any church member, or other person associated with the church.
  • The policy and procedures will be monitored and reviewed annually, and any necessary revisions adopted into the policy and implemented through our procedures.
  • The policy statement will be read annually at the AGM, or other church meeting as appropriate, together with a report on the outcome of the annual safeguarding review.

Revised November 2023