Safeguarding Policy Statement

Taunton Baptist Church (TBC) is committed to protecting and safeguarding the welfare of children and adults at risk of harm entrusted to the church’s care. We acknowledge that children and adults at risk can be the victims of neglect, physical, sexual and emotional abuse, therefore the church has created a Safeguarding policy and adopted safeguarding procedures in accordance with statutory and Baptist Union guidance. The church recognises the need to build constructive links with the statutory and voluntary agencies involved in safeguarding, and in support of this TBC:

• Welcomes children and adults at risk into the life of our community
• Runs activities that are safe and appropriate for children and adults at risk
• Makes its premises available to organisations working with children and adults at risk

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 robust procedures to implement this policy.

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 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 the procedures laid out in the Safeguarding policy. 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 Contacts

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

Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS) – advises the church on any matters related to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk and takes the appropriate action when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected.

Deputy Designated Persons for Safeguarding (DDPS) – assist the Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS) on any matters related to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk, including taking the appropriate action when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected.

The church minister is also an important member of the Church Safeguarding Team.