- RMCC
- The Centre, North Street
- New Romney
- Kent
- TN28 8DW
01797 366855
Email Us
SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT FOR
ROMNEY MARSH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Within this document “Church Members” are defined as employees, volunteers and those regularly attending the weekly church services of Romney Marsh Community Church
The vision statement of Romney Marsh Community Church is; We believe that each and every person is fearfully and wonderfully made, knitted together in their mother’s womb, and loved by God who knows everything about them (Psalm 139). All are precious and have worth to God. Therefore the church should strive to be a place of welcome, inclusion and care for all – no matter what their age, abilities, health or history.
Jesus tells us that we are each called to love others and to treat them with the respect, dignity and love that we would want to receive ourselves (Matthew 22: 39). Therefore the church should always aim to be a place of care, compassion and love – regardless of the person or their need
There are many examples of Jesus bringing healing and comfort to people in pain and discomfort, those isolated and alone. At the sight of people in distress he is filled with compassion (Mark 1:41). Therefore the church should strive to be a place of healing, comfort and hope – no matter what the cause of suffering and sorrow.
Jesus was not afraid of challenging injustice and inequality, or of confronting ignorance and arrogance. He sought out and spent time with marginalised people and he spoke passionately for those who had no voice (Matthew 23). Therefore the church should strive to be a place of righteousness, advocacy and justice, speaking up for people who are oppressed and abused.
On a practical level safeguarding involves a range of activities aimed at promoting the individual’s fundamental right to be safe, free from harm, abuse of any kind or neglect. These include making and maintaining safe environments for all, having processes to follow should something go wrong, and support for everyone involved.
In fulfilling this vision, we:
· Welcome children and adults at risk into the life of our community
· Run activities that are open to children and adults at risk
· Make our premises available to organisations working with 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 Church Members 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.
· 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:
Sheila Heather, 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 if/when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected.
Phone number 01797 366855 Click here to email
Anne Cox, Deputy Designated Person for Safeguarding (DDPS)
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 if/when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected.
Phone number 01797 366855 Click here to email
Nicholas Barratt, Safeguarding Trustee
He 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.
Phone number 01797 366855 Click here to email
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.
Further definitions of these roles can be found in the BUGB publications ‘Safe to Grow’ (2011) & ‘Safe to Belong’ (2015).
Putting our policy into practice
· A copy of the safeguarding policy statement will be displayed permanently on the church noticeboard and church office, 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 safeguarding policy and procedures will be made available on request to any Church Member, or other person associated with the church.
· The safeguarding policy and procedures will be monitored and reviewed annually, and any necessary revisions adopted into the safeguarding policy and implemented through the procedures of the Church