Garston Community Church Safeguarding Policy
Section 1: Organisation Information
Name of Organisation: Garston Community Church Address: 816 St Albans Road, Garston, Watford WD25 9FL
Tel No: 01923 273232 Church Leader Name: David Hinton Email address: office@garstoncommunitychurch.co.uk
Charity Number: 1003525
Garston Community 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 CommitmentAs 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 NeglectAbuse 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 ConductAll workers are issued a code of conduct. All leaders (elders, trustees, activity organisers) are DBS checked.
Section 3: Practice Guidelines
Working in PartnershipWe establish safeguarding expectations with all partners, supported by clear communication and partnership agreements.
Section 4: Responding to Allegations of Abuse
Documenting a ConcernReport concerns to:
Ashley Brookes (DSL)
Carole McCarthy (Deputy)
Corrina Lalbachan (Children/Youth Coordinator)
Tel: 01923 273232Email: office@garstoncommunitychurch.co.uk
If implicated, contact:
Hertfordshire Social Services: 0300 123 4043 (Children) / 0300 123 4042 (Adults)
Police Protection Team: 101 (non-emergency) / 999 (emergency)
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 SurvivorsGCC Leadership offers pastoral care and works with statutory agencies.
Working with OffendersRisk assessments and safeguarding boundaries will be established and monitored with external consultation.
Adoption of Policy
Signed by: David Hinton (Pastor / Church Leader)Signed by: Ashley Brookes (Trustee / Church Elder)
Date: 9th June 2025 Next Annual Review Date: June 2026