Children and young people are vital part of our church family. They have much to give as well as to receive. As we nurture them in worship, learning and in community life, we listen to them and respect the wishes and feelings of children and young people. We take their safety very seriously, and provide training and support for those working with them.
For the protection of children, young people and leaders, we have a child protection policy implemented in accordance with the latest advice from our child protection agency and current legislation.
Every one working directly with children and young people will have an enhanced disclosure certificate from the Criminal Records Bureau. We also take up two references for each of them, interview them about their role, and provide them with training in Child Protection issues.
Each group of children and young people is led by two adults, and we carefully ensure that activities are safely run.
We keep an accurate register of who is present, as well as records such as names, addresses, dates of birth, and special medical information (for example, allergies suffered or regular medication required).
The church is registered under the Data Protection Act.
Children Protection Policy
The Church recognises the importance of its ministry to children and young people and its responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of children and young people entrusted to the Church’s care.
As part of its mission, the Church is committed to:
- valuing, listening to and respecting children and young people as well as promoting their welfare and protection
- safe recruitment, supervision and training for all the children’s/youth workers within the Church
- adopting a procedure for dealing with concerns about possible abuse
- encouraging and supporting parents/carers
- supporting those in the Church affected by abuse
- maintaining good links with the statutory childcare authorities and other organisations.
The Church recognises the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children and young people. It also acknowledges that children and young people can be the victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and neglect. The Church has therefore adopted the well established procedures to safeguard the safety of children and young people. It also recognises the need to build constructive links with statutory and voluntary child protection agencies.
The Church also undertakes to follow the principles found within the Abuse Of Trust guidance issued by the Home Office and it is therefore unacceptable for those in a position of trust to engage in any behaviour which might allow a sexual relationship to develop for as long as the relationship of trust continues.