Safeguarding
‘St Chad’s vision is to be a church where Jesus speaks peace and calms the storms of life’.
St Chad’s Church, Patchway
Safeguarding Children &
Vulnerable Adults Policy
Version: ECC 1st April 2026
‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’ (Mark 10.14)
1. Policy Aims
1.1 To ensure that all staff, volunteers and members recognise signs of abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults and report any concerns, which will then be acted upon by the appropriate authorities.
1.2 To ensure that all staff, volunteers and members have had appropriate safeguarding checks, training and an awareness of our procedures.
1.3 To ensure that correct procedures are in place at St. Chad’s and that all are clear about their responsibilities.
2. Scope
2.1 This policy applies to all church volunteers and staff who may be directly or indirectly working with children or vulnerable adults at St. Chad’s church.
3. Safeguarding Principles
3.1 We are committed to:
∙ The care, nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with all children, young people and all adults.
∙ The safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and all adults. ∙ The establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where victims of abuse can report or disclose abuse and where they can find support and best practice that contributes to the prevention of abuse
3.2 To this end, we will:
∙ Carefully select, support and train all those with any responsibility within St. Chad’s, in line with the principles of Safer Recruitment.
∙ Respond without delay to every complaint made, that any adult, child or young person may have been harmed, co-operating with the police and local authority in any investigation.
∙ Seek to offer informed pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry that recognises the importance of understanding the needs of those who have been abused, including their feelings of alienation and /or isolation.
∙ Seek to protect survivors of abuse from the possibility of further harm and abuse. ∙ Seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of respect and responsibility, where they are trusted by others.
∙ Seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision, and referral to the appropriate authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or adult who is vulnerable.
3.3 In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice.
3.4 St. Chad’s Church, along with the whole Christian community, believes each person has a value and dignity which comes directly from God’s creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christian’s see this as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things, this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm
3.5 St. Chad’s church is committed to the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and vulnerable adults and that the needs of children or of people when they are vulnerable is paramount. We fully agree with the Connexional statement reiterated in Creating Safer Space 2007 – “As the people of the Methodist (and Anglican) Church we are concerned with the wholeness of each individual within God’s purpose for everyone. We seek to safeguard all members of the church community of all ages.”
3.6 St. Chad’s church recognises that none of us is invulnerable but that there is a particular care for those whose vulnerability is increased by situations, by disability or by reduction in capacities. It is recognised that this increased vulnerability may be temporary or permanent and may be visible or invisible, but that it does not diminish our humanity and seeks to affirm the gifts and graces of all God’s people.
3.7 St. Chad’s church recognises the serious issue of the abuse of children and vulnerable adults and recognises that this may take the form of physical, emotional, sexual, financial, spiritual or institutional abuse or neglect. It acknowledges the effects these may have on people and their development, including spiritual and religious development. It accepts its responsibility for ensuring that all people are safe in its care and that their dignity and right to be heard is maintained. It accepts its responsibility to support, listen to and work for healing with survivors, offenders, communities and those who care about them. It takes seriously the issue of promotion of welfare so that each of us can reach our full potential in God’s grace.
3.8 St. Chad’s church commits itself to respond without delay to any allegations or cause for concern that a child or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, whether in church or in another context. It commits itself to challenge the abuse of power of anyone in a position of trust.
3.9 St. Chad’s church commits itself to ensuring the implementation of Connexional Safeguarding Policy, government legislation and guidance and safe practice.
3.10 St. Chad’s church commits itself to the provision of support, advice and training for lay and ordained people that will ensure people are clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults who may be vulnerable. It affirms the role of the Methodist Circuit & District Safeguarding Group and protocols and practice.
3.11 Everybody working with children, young people and vulnerable adults on behalf of St. Chad’s will be given a copy of the Youth Team Working Guidelines (attached at Appendix A) which they must undertake to observe. These provide more detailed guidance and are an integral part of the St. Chad’s Safeguarding policy.
4. Purpose of Safeguarding Policy
4.1 The purposes of this safeguarding policy are to ensure procedures are in place and people are clear about roles and responsibilities for children and vulnerable adults in our care and using our premises.
5. Roles and responsibilities
5.1 Ministers:
∙ To ensure that all aspects of Safeguarding as per this policy are implemented. ∙ To verify/countersign all DBS checks submitted on behalf of all relevant staff at St. Chad’s, whether paid or voluntary.
∙ To ensure that this policy is reviewed every three years (or earlier if an incident occurs) and presented to the Parochial Church Council for agreement.
∙ To ensure the post of Safeguarding Officer is always filled with an appropriate person(s) and that they undertake their duties diligently in line with this policy.
5.2 Safeguarding Officer:
∙ To ensure all appropriate staff/church members are suitably trained and made aware of their responsibilities. This includes updates to any procedures, policies or good practice.
∙ To be the recipient of all issues relating to safeguarding and to take all appropriate action to immediately protect anyone facing potential harm and to liaise with relevant staff, parents, the police or local authority as necessary or legally required.
∙ To work closely with the Parish Safeguarding Officer to ensure that all relevant staff are DBS checked and are found suitable to undertake their roles.
∙ To ensure that all staff working with children, young persons and vulnerable adults are given a copy of the St.Chad’s Youth Team Working Practices document (at Appendix A to this policy) and understand their commitments to its implementation.
5.3 Parish Safeguarding Officer:
∙ To identify (with Ministers & Safeguarding Officer) any role within St. Chad’s that requires a DBS check to be undertaken
∙ To provide all administrative support to Ministers to ensure that DBS checks are undertaken promptly.
∙ To record all data regarding DBS checks and identify when expiry dates are approaching. In the latter case to liaise with relevant staff members to ensure that renewal DBS checks are applied for in adequate time to ensure no compromise in staff cover for children’s, young persons and vulnerable adult work at St. Chad’s.
5.4 Parochial Church Council:
∙ To review this policy every three tears (or earlier if an incident occurs) for continued relevance and suitability for purpose.
∙ On behalf of the church membership, to ensure that a culture of protection for children, young persons and vulnerable adults is very real and effective in it’s intention and not just a paper exercise.
5.5 Staff working with children, young people and vulnerable adults:
∙ To read thoroughly a copy of the St.Chad’s Youth Team Working Practices document (Appendix A to this policy) and ensure they are committed to its full implementation, asking questions of the Safeguarding Officer if in doubt over any item included within that document.
∙ To fully embrace the principles of preventing and minimising harm to all people, especially children, young persons and vulnerable adults.
6 Key concepts and definitions:
6.1 Vulnerable adult - any adult aged 18 or over who, by reason of mental or other disability, age, illness or other situation, is permanently or for the time being unable to take care of her or himself, or to protect her or himself from significant harm or exploitation.
6.2 Safeguarding and protecting children or vulnerable adults from maltreatment - preventing impairment of their health and ensuring safe and effective care.
6.3 Adult/child protection - is a part of safeguarding and promoting welfare. This refers to the activity which is undertaken to protect children/specific adults who are suffering or are at risk of suffering significant harm, including neglect.
6.4 Abuse and neglect may occur - in a family, in a community and in an institution. It may be perpetrated by a person or persons known to the child or vulnerable person or by strangers; by an adult or by a child. It may be an infliction of harm or a failure to prevent harm.
6.5 Safer Recruitment - What Church Councils and Local Safeguarding Officers are expected to do to endeavour to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults from unsuitable people who might wish to be employed or volunteer to work in local churches.
7 Risk Assessment:
7.1 All St Chads outreach teams will maintain and regularly update a risk assessment and management plan with regard to physical contact games played during youth events/activities, either at the church or away from it. This risk assessment will form part of this policy and can be found at Appendix B. It will be updated at least every three years for ratification by the ECC as part of this policy but should be a ‘living document’ that accurately reflects games that are current and how any risk will be managed.
7.2 The church Health & Safety Officer will work with all St Chad's outreach teams to produce risk assessments and management plans with regard to trips away and also regular events held at the church. Such risk assessments will be produced for all trips/events and whilst they may be generic in format, each must be bespoke regarding risks specific to each individual trip/event.
This statement has been agreed by the St. Chad’s Parochial Church Council, and its contents and effectiveness will be reviewed every year (or earlier if an incident occurs) by the Operations team, Safeguarding Officer and Youth Team, making appropriate recommendations for decision by the Church Council.
Signed (Chairperson)
Signed (Secretary)
This policy is next scheduled for review in March 2027.
Appendix A
St Chad’s Patchway Youth Team Working Guidelines
A: Lines of Responsibility:
Everybody working with children and young people on behalf of St. Chad’s Church is responsible for the safeguarding of these youngsters, via the Youth Leader, to the Youth Management Team, which is in turn responsible to the Ecumenical Church Council.
The Ecumenical Church Council will provide any required staff youth work training and line management support to oversee all their work, including schools work.
All staff, (paid or volunteer) working with children and young people will:
a) Be given the name and contact details of the named Safeguarding Officer for St. Chad’s. b) Be responsible initially for reporting any incidents to the person in charge of the session, who will in turn report it promptly to the Safeguarding Officer. The session leader is responsible for ensuring that a report about the incident is forwarded as soon as possible to the ‘responsible person’ at the host venue if the incident occurs on other premises. Where appropriate they may contact parents directly.
The Safeguarding Officer is responsible for passing on concerns and reports of any incidents to the designated person in the local Methodist Circuit. The Safeguarding Officer may also contact Social Services and seek medical assistance if appropriate or necessary. Where appropriate the Police should be contacted.
The Youth Leader is responsible for discussing issues with the Safeguarding Officer and advising on possible courses of action.
There should be an open and effective line of communication between those involved.
The safety of the child / young person is absolutely paramount in all considerations and any action taken.
B: Our responsibility to children & young persons
What do we mean by abuse or neglect?
There are 4 main categories of abuse as defined in Government guidance:-
a) Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child.
b) Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. This may involve contact or non-contact activities.
c) Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill treatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development.
d) Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to lead to the serious impairment of the child’s health or development.
What might lead us to think a child is being harmed?
This is difficult to judge. However, all workers must be alert to the potential indicators of abuse and know how to respond to any concerns they may have. Here are some examples of such indicators (this list is not exhaustive):
∙ Children and young people might share a concern with a trusted adult or disclose that they are being abused.
∙ Sudden change in behaviour.
∙ Unexpected or suspicious injuries, such as bruising, cuts or burns.
∙ An injury for which the explanation seems inconsistent.
∙ Injuries that have not received appropriate medical attention.
∙ Inappropriate sexual awareness.
∙ Signs of neglect.
How can children express their concerns?
All children and young people should be valued and listened to, and their views taken into account.
What do I do if a child expresses such concerns?
Below are examples of the things you should/should not do (it is not an exhaustive list). ∙ Create a safe environment, react calmly and listen carefully.
∙ Allow them time to say what they want.
∙ Don’t interrupt them or ask more than you need to.
∙ Don’t ask closed questions (one’s that require a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ reply) or leading one’s (e.g. Did mummy/daddy do that?).
∙ Accept what they are saying and take it seriously.
∙ Reassure the child or young person and confirm how difficult it must have been for them to tell you.
∙ Tell them they are not to blame.
∙ Tell them that other people will need to be made aware of the concerns so that help can be found.
∙ Be aware they may be frightened.
C: What do I do if I suspect a child or young person has been abused or they make a disclosure?
Who should I tell?
A number of routes may be appropriate depending upon the seriousness of the suspicion or the disclosure.
1) For a minor concern, the issues can be discussed with the parents.
2) At other times the worker should seek advice from the Safeguarding Officer within 24 hours of a disclosure being made.
What should I do?
Individuals should not:
∙ Take responsibility for deciding whether or not child abuse is taking place. ∙ Act alone.
∙ Take sole responsibility for what has been shared or any concerns they may have.
Individuals should:
∙ Discuss concerns within 24 hours with the Safeguarding Officer or the designated person so as to begin to protect the child or young person and gain support for all involved in a difficult situation.
∙ Record what the child tells you or an incident that gives cause for concern.
D: What are good practices for the children’s & youth workers to follow?
If any of the good practices are ‘broken’, it is expected that the worker will report this to the Safeguarding Officer and a written record made of the incident.
Ratios:
∙ As far as possible, a worker should not be alone with a child or children, where the activity cannot be seen. This may mean leaving a door open or two groups working in the same room.
∙ Don’t invite a child or young person to your home alone. Always ensure there is another adult present. Establish that the parent/carer knows where their child is and at what time they will return home.
∙ Children and young people should not be given access to church premises unless there is an adult present.
Can I touch a child?
∙ If a child or young person is upset it is natural to want to comfort them. However, if you find the child is cringing or responding in a negative way to being touched then stop immediately.
∙ Be aware of your own behaviour and that of other workers in touching. Always ask the question, “for whose benefit is this?”
∙ Try to avoid touching a child or young person if you are in a room on your own. ∙ If you see another worker acting in ways that could be misconstrued, speak to them and your leaders about it. Encourage an atmosphere of mutual support and care.
The way we work:
∙ Treat all children and young people with respect and dignity.
∙ Listen well.
∙ Do not engage in the following:
o Invading the privacy of children and young people when they are using the toilet or showering. If a child has soiled their underclothes ensure another adult is present and call in the parent/carer.
o Rough games involving inappropriate physical contact between a leader and children and young people.
o Sexually provocative games.
o Making sexually suggestive comments.
o Scapegoating, belittling, ridiculing or rejecting a child or young person.
∙ Discipline and control children and young people without using physical punishment. However, a situation may arise where a child or young person needs to be restrained in order to protect them or a third person. Nevertheless, the principle of minimum force, duration and invasion of privacy is paramount if any restraint has to take place. ∙ Do not respond to excessive attention seeking that is overtly sexual or physical in nature.
Keeping parents / carers informed:
∙ All children and young people should be registered. The Youth Leaders should hold details of full name, date of birth, address and contact/telephone numbers.
∙ Parents/carers should be informed of the Safeguarding Policy in place as it relates to the Youth Work.
Transporting children and young people:
Avoid giving lifts to children and young people on their own. If they are alone ask them to sit in the rear of the car.
Abuse of trust:
∙ It is always wrong for a leader to enter into a sexual relationship with a young person, even if the young person is aged 16 or 17.
∙ It is not acceptable for a leader to form a romantic relationship with a child or young person with whom they have a relationship of trust.
∙ If any such relationship did occur then the leader should either cease the relationship of trust or the romantic relationship.
E: The appointment of children’s and young people’s workers (These steps are not fool-proof but they begin to give the best protection possible)
Step.1 - Writing a simple job description
This will help to clarify the gifts and qualities that are needed to perform a particular role. The job description will include:
∙ A description of the tasks and responsibilities involved in the position.
∙ An indication of the time commitment that will be involved.
∙ The name of the person to whom they are responsible.
∙ An expectation that the person will comply with the Safeguarding Policy. ∙ A statement that anyone taking up the role will be expected to disclose details of their criminal record and apply for Enhanced Disclosure from the DBS.
Step.2 - Completing an application form
All volunteers or paid employee candidates will be asked to complete an application form.
Step.3 - Taking up references
References will be taken up for two main reasons:
∙ Some people will seek opportunities to harm children.
∙ References are a way of checking whether what people say about themselves is affirmed by others.
Step.4 - Interviewing the candidate
All people seeking to work with children and young people will be interviewed by the youth leader and another member of the youth team in order to give an opportunity to discern the person’s suitability and to seek God’s Will. Potential volunteers will have a clear understanding of expectations. The interview will explore the person’s past experience of contact with children and young people.
Step.5 - Making the appointment decision
All the evidence is weighed up and a decision is made. The spiritual, social, emotional and physical well-being of the children and young people will take priority in such decision making.
Step.6 - Checking the candidate’s criminal background
All potential youth workers will apply for an Enhanced Disclosure for posts involving contact with children and young people.
Step.7 - Signing a volunteer agreement
The person appointed signs a volunteer agreement to ensure they are clear about their roles and responsibilities.
Step.8 - Training in the Church’s Safeguarding Policy
The worker will receive a copy of the Church’s Safeguarding Policy and Guidelines. Appropriate training will take place when required.
Step.9 - All paper work related to the appointment of youth workers will be kept in a safe place by the Safeguarding Officer and material will be confidential.
Youth worker responsibilities:
∙ To pray regularly for the young people and other leaders.
∙ Normally to be available at least 15 minutes prior to the start of any session. ∙ To contact the leader in charge of the session as soon as they know that they will not be able to come or are likely to arrive late.
∙ If they have any problem with a young person or with another youth worker that cannot be resolved face to face, to speak first to the leader in charge of the session and then the overall youth leader. If the problem cannot be resolved at that level the youth leader will refer the matter to one of the Ministers.
F: What supervision and support do we give to our workers?
Those involved with the leadership of the children’s and young people’s work should establish good networks of supervision among those working with children and young persons. These networks are to help protect both children and young people and the workers. The following paragraphs are indicators for concern rather than a definitive guide to spotting abusive workers.
NB: These guidelines will also apply to all those who volunteer to help with the children’s and young people’s work at St. Chad’s.
How do I know if things are going wrong?
∙ Watch out for the amount of physical contact between a worker and children and young people.
∙ Are there any children and young people being specifically favoured or harshly treated? ∙ Is the worker alone in transporting any children and young people?
∙ Are any workers inviting children and young people to their home?
What do I do if I am worried about one of the workers and their behaviour? 1) Be sure. Observe behaviour carefully and weigh against the Church’s Safeguarding Policy. Keep a written note of any concerns and action taken.
2) Are they being secretive about what they are doing?
3) Check out your opinions with the Safeguarding Officer or designated person on the youth management team.
4) Act on the advice of the Safeguarding Officer or designated person. This may involve you going with them to talk to the person with whom you have concerns.
5) A decision will be made as to whether action should be taken.
G: Recording concerns and disclosure of abuse
When a child or young person tells a worker about abuse or an incident that gives rise for concern, a written record should be made.
The record should:
∙ Be legible.
∙ State the facts accurately.
∙ Be made as soon as possible after the disclosure/incident.
Records of disclosures, incidents or concerns should include:
∙ The child’s name, address, date of birth.
∙ The nature of the concerns/allegation/disclosure.
∙ A description of any visible bruising or other injuries.
∙ An exact record of what the child said using the child’s words.
∙ A record of the child’s behaviour and demeanour.
∙ What was said by the person to whom the concerns were reported.
∙ Any action taken as a result of the concerns.
H: Guidelines for Activities
Team Procedures:
∙ It is recommended that the team consist of people of both genders.
∙ As a general rule, it is expected that the workers should work in pairs or more. ∙ All planning of activities should be shared with the youth team on a termly basis to ensure Safeguarding and Health & Safety issues have been considered for the activities to be undertaken.
∙ All individual work must be agreed with one of the Ministers and any other personnel, such as school staff.
∙ Where youth workers are working individually, they should be in sight of other team members or the team should be aware of their whereabouts or agreement has been sought from the parents of the child or young person.
∙ Youth workers should always be in possession of an operational mobile phone or carry change for a public phone.
Workers and young people ratios:
Where any work is being carried out on behalf of St. Chad’s, the following ratios should be adhered to:
Indoor activities
Outdoor activities
School based activities:
Youth workers must ensure that they always respect the school’s policies and guidelines for the care of children and young people.
Home based activities:
∙ Youth workers must ensure the youth team is aware of home based activities, including their time, duration, frequency and nature of the event.
∙ Youth workers should not work individually with children and young people or be on their own with them unless written permission has been granted from the parent(s): parents know of the time and duration of such a meeting; and other team members are made aware of such occasions.
∙ All guidelines in this policy should be adhered to during a home based activity.
Off-site activities:
All off-site activities must be agreed with the youth team in advance, and any involving overnight accommodation must be agreed in advance with the Ecumenical Church Council.
Looking after children and young people overnight:
∙ Unmarried males and females should sleep separately.
∙ There should be a mix of male and female leaders if there are boys and girls in the group. ∙ Adults should not sleep with the children or young people but it may be appropriate to consider appointing an adult who undertakes a waking night patrol at random (e.g. if you are on a campsite with a public right of way).
∙ It is important to remember that some children are abused by other (often older) children or young people.
∙ Children and adults must be provided with separate toilets, or designated time slots must be given for their use.
∙ Children and adults must be able to dress and undress in privacy.
∙ Parents/carers must complete consent forms.
∙ There must be a reliable mobile phone available or change for a public phone. ∙ Ensure adults have designated responsibilities (e.g. First Aid, cook, putting to bed). ∙ Check insurance covers.
∙ Check the building to know where the water, electricity and gas can be turned off. ∙ Church halls and rooms used for sleeping large numbers must have two means of exit. ∙ Know where the nearest doctor and hospital are. It is helpful to inform the local doctor, police and fire brigade.
∙ Ensure parents have filled in and returned a health form.
∙ Have safety rules for all.
∙ Make sure children have correct clothing for whatever activity they are doing. ∙ Appropriate qualifications are needed for outdoor activities.