Safeguarding Policy

Section 1 · Organisation Information

Church Activities

GCC is an open, non-denominational church, seeking to follow New Testament teaching on Church in both spiritual and practical ways. Once a week, we have Sunday School during the main service where children and parents meet to learn about the Christian faith and have fellowship. Throughout the year, we hold regular training days and women’s and men’s fellowship groups. During the summer holidays, we host a children’s club for one week. We use the Garston News and our church website to regularly publicise church activities.

Our Commitment

As a Church Leadership, we recognise the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children, young people, and adults. We acknowledge that all individuals can be victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and neglect. We accept the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant of Human Rights. We also concur with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

As Church Leadership, we have adopted this safeguarding policy in accordance with statutory guidance. We commit to building constructive links with statutory and voluntary safeguarding agencies.

GCC Leadership undertakes to:

• Endorse and follow all national and local safeguarding legislation and procedures, and the international conventions outlined above.
• Provide ongoing safeguarding training for all workers and regularly review operational guidelines.
• Ensure the premises meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and other relevant legislation, maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Not permit this document to be copied by other organisations.

Section 2 · Prevention

Understanding Abuse and Neglect

Abuse or neglect may be inflicted or result from failing to act. It can occur within families, institutions, or communities and often involves someone known and trusted. Our policy aligns with Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and Article 5 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Safer Recruitment

GCC Leadership ensures safe recruitment practices:

• Job descriptions and person specifications
• Application and self-declaration forms
• Interviews and reference checks
• DBS checks (Basic, Standard, or Enhanced as required)
• Probationary periods and safeguarding policy induction

Safeguarding Training

All workers will receive induction and ongoing safeguarding training. Information on getting help will be made available to children and adults.

Management of Workers — Codes of Conduct

All workers are issued a code of conduct. All leaders (elders, trustees, activity organisers) are DBS checked.

Section 3 · Practice Guidelines

Working in Partnership

We establish safeguarding expectations with all partners, supported by clear communication and partnership agreements.

Section 4 · Responding to Allegations of Abuse

Documenting a Concern

Report concerns to:

If implicated, contact:

Process

• Record and report details — no independent investigation.
• Seek advice from thirtyone:eight as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and share information on a need-to-know basis.

Specific Concerns

• Children: contact Social Services or Police; do not inform parents unless advised.
• Adults: contact Adult Social Care; seek emergency help if required.
• Spiritual Abuse: identify support services; contact thirtyone:eight.

Allegations Against Workers

• Contact LADO and follow suspension and referral procedures.
• Refer to the DBS where appropriate.

Section 5 · Pastoral Care

Support for Abuse Survivors

GCC Leadership offers pastoral care and works with statutory agencies.

Working with Offenders

Risk assessments and safeguarding boundaries will be established and monitored with external consultation.

Adoption of Policy