HENLEY CHAPEL
Safeguarding Policy and Procedures

 

HENLEY CHAPEL is an independent Evangelical church affiliated to the Evangelical Federation of Congregational Churches (EFCC).   EFCC is a membership organisation and does not exercise any authority over the church.   The church does not have a formal membership and is led by a leadership team

The church was established in 1841.  Our beliefs are outlined in our Statement of Faith which is available on our website.
The church is a group of Christians who meet for Sunday services at 5:00pm followed by a fellowship tea together.  Other meetings and events as advertised.

The church does not provide any activities specifically for children, young people, or for adults at risk of abuse. However, we recognise that during the course of our ministry we may come into contact with vulnerable people.

Currently the church is open plan so that if any child or vulnerable adult is taken into a separate area for any reason there is transparency.

 

1. Introduction

• Henley Chapel is committed to the safeguarding of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who come into contact with our church.
• We believe that everyone has the right to be safe and protected from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• This policy outlines our commitment to creating a safe environment and the procedures we have in place to protect those who are vulnerable.
• This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, members, and anyone working on behalf of Henley Chapel.

 

2. Definitions

• Child: Anyone under the age of 18 years.
• Young Person: For some specific contexts, those aged 13-17.
• Vulnerable Adult: Any person aged 18 or over who, due to mental or physical impairment, illness, disability, or age, is unable to care for their own well-being and protection.
• Safeguarding: The action we take to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and protect them from harm.
• Abuse: Any form of physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, financial abuse, or discriminatory abuse.

 

3. Core Principles

• The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount.
• All individuals, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, or ability, have the right to equal protection from harm.
• We are committed to creating a safe and caring environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
• We will act promptly and appropriately in response to any concerns or allegations of abuse.
• We will work in partnership with statutory agencies to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

 

4. Responsibilities

• Church Leadership:
• Overall responsibility for the implementation of this policy.
• Ensure that all staff and volunteers are aware of this policy and their responsibilities.
• Appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Provide adequate resources and training for safeguarding.
• Ensure safe recruitment practices are followed.

 

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Maria Hubble
• Be the first point of contact for any safeguarding concerns.
• Receive and respond to concerns and allegations of abuse.
• Liaise with statutory agencies (e.g., social services, police) as required.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records.
• Provide advice and support to staff and volunteers.

 

• Staff and Volunteers:
• Adhere to this safeguarding policy and the code of conduct.
• Be aware of the signs and indicators of abuse.
• Report any concerns or allegations of abuse to the DSL immediately.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries in relationships with children and vulnerable adults.
• Attend safeguarding training as required.

 

• Members:
• Are expected to uphold the principles of this policy in their interactions within the church community.
• Should raise any safeguarding concerns to the DSL or a member of the church leadership.

 

5. Safer Recruitment

• We will ensure that all staff and volunteers who work with children or vulnerable adults undergo appropriate checks, including:
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks (or equivalent)
• We will provide appropriate training and supervision for all staff and volunteers.
• We will have a code of conduct for all staff and volunteers, outlining expected behaviour.

 

6. Training

• All staff and volunteers who work with children or vulnerable adults will receive initial safeguarding training.
• Regular refresher training will be provided.

• Training will cover:
• Recognizing the signs and indicators of abuse
• Reporting procedures
• Safe working practices
• Confidentiality
• Church's safeguarding policy and procedures
• The DSL will attend more advanced safeguarding training.

 

7. Responding to Concerns and Allegations

• Any concerns or allegations of abuse must be reported to the DSL immediately.
• If the concern is about the DSL, it should be reported to a Church Elder or member of the Leadership Team (as a small church we cannot provide a specific name due to familial relationships within the leadership.  The person reporting may choose the appropriate person to report to.
• The following steps will be taken:
• Listen carefully to the person reporting the concern.
• Record the details of the concern accurately and factually.
• Do not investigate or ask leading questions.
• Inform the relevant statutory agencies (social services, police) as necessary. This will be done in line with local procedures and legal requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality, sharing information only with those who need to know.
• Provide support to the person who has raised the concern and the alleged victim.
• We will cooperate fully with any statutory agency investigations.

 

8. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

• We will maintain confidentiality regarding all safeguarding concerns, sharing information only on a need-to-know basis.
• Information will be shared with statutory agencies as required by law or where there is a risk of significant harm.
• We will keep accurate and secure records of all safeguarding concerns.
• We will comply with all relevant data protection legislation.

 

9. Safe Environment

• We will ensure that our church premises are safe and suitable for all activities.
• We will conduct risk assessments for all activities involving children or vulnerable adults.
• We will have appropriate insurance in place.
• We will ensure that there are always an appropriate number of responsible adults present at activities involving children or vulnerable adults (adult-to-child ratios).

 

• We will have guidelines for activities, including:
• Physical contact
• Transportation
• Use of electronic communication
• Photography and video

 

10. Policy Review

• This policy will be reviewed annually or more frequently if required.
• We will ensure that the policy remains up to date with relevant legislation and best practice.
• Any changes to the policy will be communicated to all staff, volunteers, and members.

 

11. Contact Information

• Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL): Maria Hubble and Janice Doidge:  safeguarding@henleychapel.uk
• Local Social Services: 0300 123 2224
• Police: If you suspect someone is in immediate danger call 999 ; if there is no immediate danger but you wish to report a concern to the police call 101
• Thirtyone:eight: https://thirtyoneeight.org/