The United Reformed Church (URC) is committed to safeguarding in every area of its life and ministry. Safeguarding is the action taken to promote and protect the well-being and human rights of individuals.
This means we will:
If you wish to discuss a safeguarding concern, please contact:
For information on safeguarding in the URC Thames North Synod, please click here.
For a full statement on the URC's approach to safeguarding, please click here.
To view Good Practice 6, the URC's Safeguarding Guidance document, please click here.
The aim of this policy is to ensure that protecting people from abuse, harm or neglect is central to our culture. It provides procedures for promoting safeguarding, preventing abuse and protecting children, adults at risk and staff. This includes clear procedures for taking appropriate action when safeguarding concerns are raised.
Who this policy applies to
This policy is approved and endorsed by the Elders and applies to:
Principles underpinning the policy
Definitions
The term 'children' refers to those under the age of 18 years.
The term 'adult at risk' refers to any adult aged 18 or over who, by reason of mental or other disability, age, illness or other situation, are permanently, or for time being, unable to take care of themselves, or to protect themselves against significant harm, abuse or exploitation.
Duty of care and confidentiality
We have a duty of care to all beneficiaries of the church, whether children or adults. We will always maintain confidentiality, except in circumstances where to do so would place the individual or another individual at risk of harm or abuse.
Sections 2-6 below follow the structure of Good Practice 6 and each section lists the 'key responsibilities' for local churches outlined in the corresponding chapter of GP6.
We are committed to creating a safer culture in our church which will help us to prevent harm from occurring and provide an environment in which all can flourish.
In line with Chapter two of Good Practice 6, we will:
Whilst it is not possible to guard against every eventuality, we are committed to providing as safe an environment as possible for activities both on and off church premises.
In line with Chapter three of Good Practice 6, we will:
We acknowledge that, although promoting Safer Culture and Safer Activities will help to protect all those in contact with the church, some concerns will inevitably arise and we are committed to responding well in such circumstances.
In line with Chapter four of Good Practice 6, we will:
Where allegations are made against individuals within the Church, we are committed to following all required investigative and regulatory procedures. We will work in collaboration with the Synod, wider Church staff, statutory agencies and other relevant organisations.
In line with Chapter five of Good Practice 6, we will:
The key principle underpinning our policy and practice in this area is that all those who have experienced abuse, whether recently or in the past 'will be listened to and offered the pastoral care and support they deem appropriate and relevant, irrespective of type of abuse, context, or when this occurred' (General Assembly policy statement 2021).
In line with Chapter six of Good Practice 6, we will:
Church Safeguarding Coordinator
Alison Gibbs
Email: safeguarding@ccurc.org.uk
Deputy Church Safeguarding Coordinator
Rosemary Milns
Email: secretary@ccurc.org.uk
Synod Safeguarding Officer
Natalie Van Camp
Phone: 07483 994590
Email: safeguarding@urcthamesnorth.org.uk
URC Safeguarding Office (This should only be used if you are unable to contact your Synod Safeguarding Office)
Email: safeguarding@urc.org.uk
Local statutory services: Children
Or email ChildrensMASH@enfield.gov.uk
Local statutory services: Adults
020 8379 5212 (24 hours)
Or email TheMashTeam@enfield.gov.uk
This policy will be reviewed annually, updated as required and adopted by the church meeting.
Date of most recent review: 16th April 2024
Date of next review: April 2025
Signed by: Rosemary Milns (on behalf of the church Elders)
Metropolitan Police: met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/ap/adult-elder-abuse