The purpose of this policy is:

• to protect children and young people who attend activities run by Rock Community Church.

• to provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding.

 

We, Rock Community Church, have a deep concern for the wholeness and well being of each individual.  We seek to safeguard the welfare of all people who come into contact with the church.  We believe the gospel proclaims that God cares passionately about the welfare and wellbeing of all people.  It is therefore the responsibility of everyone within the fellowship of the church to prevent harm, be it physical, sexual or emotional, and we will always seek to reduce risk. In particular, we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. We are committed to practice in a way that protects them.

 

We recognise that:

• the welfare of the child is paramount, as enshrined in the Children Act 1989

• all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse

• some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues

• working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

 

We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

• valuing them, listening to and respecting them

• adopting child protection practices through procedures and a code of

• conduct for staff and volunteers

• providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support and training

• recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made

• sharing information about child protection and good practice with children,

• parents, staff and volunteers

• sharing concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately.