Whitehaven United
Reformed Church
Safeguarding Policy
1. Aim and purpose of this policy
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:
• All members of our church
• All those who attend and serve our church/place of worship and its services
• Our Trustees and Elders
• Paid staff (both internal and external eg contractors or consultants)
• Volunteers
• Organisations and groups which hire our building with written agreement to operate
under the church safeguarding policy.
Principles underpinning the policy
• Our theology and values
• Our commitment to put the welfare of children and adults at risk first
• A willingness to be open and listen
• A commitment to comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
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.
2. Creating a safer culture
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:
• Appoint a Church Safeguarding Coordinator and ensure contact details are available
for anyone to report a concern
• Have a safeguarding policy which is reviewed annually and updated when
necessary
• Practice safer recruitment procedures for paid and volunteer roles
• Ensure all those working with children and/or adults at risk are given copies of
relevant Codes of Conduct
• Follow the requirements of the training framework
• Comply with legal requirements in respect of data protection
• Complete the Annual Church Safeguarding Return
• Ensure safeguarding is a regular agenda item for church and Elders’ meetings.
3. Ensuring safer activities
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:
• Ensure appropriate insurance is in place for buildings and activities
• Consider the implications of data protection and health and safety requirements for
specific activities
• Carry out risk assessments for relevant activities or events
• Ensure adequate staffing for activities and that leaders have suitable training, are
aware of relevant guidance and agree to follow relevant Codes of Conduct
• Ensure the hirer’s agreement is in place for other organisations using church
premises
• Seek advice from the Synod Safeguarding Officer for complex or sensitive risks.
4. Recognising and responding to concerns
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:
• Promote awareness of different kinds of abuse, other vulnerabilities and types of
safeguarding concern
• Seek to create a ‘listening culture’ and help people develop listening skills to
respond appropriately in situations where sensitive information is disclosed
• Inform the Synod Safeguarding Officer as a minimum of any situations where
involvement from statutory services is/may be required
• Share information with statutory services as appropriate and co-operate with them
during any investigations
• Report any serious safeguarding incident to the Charity Commission and notify the
Synod Safeguarding Officer.
5. Managing allegations and people who may pose a risk
to others
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:
• Co-operate fully with any investigative or disciplinary procedures
• Inform the Synod Safeguarding Officer immediately on becoming aware of anyone
in the church who may present a risk to others
• Work with the Synod Safeguarding Officer and contribute relevant information for
risk assessments
• Alert the Synod Safeguarding Officer or statutory agencies to known breaches of a
safeguarding agreement.
6. Supporting victims and survivors
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:
• Recognise that the Elders’ meeting has responsibility for provision of pastoral care
• Be aware of local support services that people can be referred or directed to
• Ensure those in relevant roles attend appropriate training
• Seek advice from the Synod Safeguarding Officer about provision of appropriate
support when necessary.
7. Key contacts
Church Safeguarding Coordinator
Name: Eleanor Pailing
Telephone Number: 07747715836
Email: safeguarding.wurc@outlook.com
Deputy Church Safeguarding Coordinator
Name: Vickie Lipton
Telephone Number: 07715538865
Email: safeguarding.wurc@outlook.com
Synod Safeguarding Officer
Name: Yvette Hansbury-Robinson
Telephone Number: 07827390299
Email: safeguarding@nwsynod.org.uk
URC Safeguarding Office (This should only be used if you are unable to contact
your Synod Safeguarding Office)
02075202729
Email: safeguarding@urc.org.uk
Local statutory services:
Children
Cumberland Safeguarding Hub 03332401727
Out of Hours Emergency Duty Team (EDT) 03003732724
Adult Social Care
Allerdale and Copeland 03003733732
Out of Hours Emergency Duty Team (EDT) 01228526690
8. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, updated as required and adopted by the church
meeting.
Date of most recent review: 16.10.24
Date of next review: 16.10.25
Signed by: Alistair Smeaton
(On behalf of the church Elders)
