The Bridge Baptist Church

A Real Church for Real People in a Real World!

Safeguarding

The Bridge” Baptist Church.


Church Safeguarding Policy for Children and Vulnerable Adults.



Safeguarding is in place in accordance with the South East Baptist Association (SEBA) Policy and training.


The following members of the Church have taken part in Parts 1, 2 and 3 of the SEBA Policy Training Course.


Dawn Hearn – Denise Smith – Clive Waters.

These members have also been DBS checked.


Mrs Denise Smith is the Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS) for the Church.

safeguarding@thebridgebaptistchurchgillingham.org.uk


 Deputy Designated person for Safeguarding (DDPS) for the Church to be appointed.

safeguarding2@thebridgebaptistchurchgillingham.org.uk


However, all members of the church have a responsibility to report any allegations of abuse as soon as possible.


All allegations will be taken seriously and we are fully prepared to assist any Statutory Authority with any enquiry or investigation with regard to any relevant Safeguarding issue.



SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT

FOR THE BRIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH


Our vision

The vision statement of The Bridge Baptist Church is: "By word and deed, we seek to be a bridge in the Community, helping people to discover, and then grow in the Christian Faith."

In fulfilling this vision, we:

 Welcome children and adults at risk into the life of our community

 Hope to run activities that are inclusive of children and adults at risk


Our safeguarding responsibilities

The church recognises its responsibilities in safeguarding all children, young people and adults at risk, regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability.

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.

 Safer 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 voluntary. All workers will be provided with appropriate training, support and supervision to promote the safekeeping of children and adults at risk. The Parish Nurse will complete both the BUGB Excellence in Safeguarding Level 2 and 3 Training, as well as Yearly Mandatory Training in Safeguarding Children and Young People and Safeguarding Adults at Risk at Level 1 and 2 combined, and level 3: Advanced Safeguarding for Children every three years, as part of her other Nursing job for as long as she works there. Regular supervision will be provided by the PNMUK for any issues raised.

 Respecting children and adults at risk: The church will adopt a code of behaviour for all who are appointed to work with children and adults at risk so that all children and adults are shown the respect that is due to them.

 Safer working practices: The church 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: The church is committed to the prevention of bullying. The church will seek to ensure that the behaviour of any individuals who may pose a risk to children, young people and adults at risk in the community of the church is managed appropriately.


Safeguarding contact points within our church


The church has appointed the following individuals to form part of the church safeguarding team:


Mrs Denise Smith Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS)

She 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.


Phone number: Church Office 07821 903797

Email address: safeguarding@thebridgebaptistchurchgillingham.org.uk


Deputy Designated Person for Safeguarding (DDPS) to be appointed

She will assist the Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS) in helping 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.


Phone number: Church Office07821 903797

Email address: safeguarding2@thebridgebaptistchurchgillingham.org.uk



Safeguarding Trustee ……. Not required

As Denise and ? are both Deacons, there is no need for an additional Trustee, especially in such a small church. Should the Church greatly expand, there may be a need for this; on yearly review.


Our church Elder, Mr Clive Waters,is also an important part of the Church Safeguarding Team. Where possible, the Church 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 at every Service and function held at the Sunlight centre together with a copy of the Churches brief statement poster. These will also appear permanently at Bridge House and on the web site for the Church.


 The Safeguarding Policy and Procedures document is a very large and comprehensive document. All church members will be given an insight into the contents of the document and specific instruction when necessary and advised where the document will be kept for reference. It is expected that all Church Members will be responsible for safeguarding and it will be a condition of membership.


 As the Church meets in a multifunctional Community Centre it is prudent to be aware of visitors and strangers within the complex. No visitor or stranger is to be alone with a child or an adult at risk. This will be the Church Members responsibility at all times.


 The policy and procedures will be monitored and reviewed annually in September, and any necessary revisions adopted into the policy and implemented through our procedures.

The policy statement will be read annually at the Church Members Meeting in September, together with a report on the outcome of the annual safeguarding review.