Safeguarding

Safeguarding Overview

How we protect and support children, young people, and vulnerable adults across our churches.
- Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
  
  If you’re worried about someone’s safety, find out how to report your concerns clearly and confidentially.
- Safeguarding Training & Events
  
  Stay up to date with training opportunities to help you and your church create a safer environment.
- Safeguarding Awareness
  
  Learn to recognise the signs of specific safeguarding issues, including different types of abuse, exploitation, and vulnerability.
  - Domestic Abuse
    
    Understanding the signs of domestic abuse and how to respond.
  - Exploitation and Grooming
    
    Information on how to recognise and report grooming and exploitation.
  - Financial Abuse
    
    Guidance on identifying and dealing with issues of financial abuse.
  - Honour-Based Abuse
    
    Advice to follow in the event of honour-based abuse or forced marriage.
  - Managing Risks & Safeguarding Agreements
    
    The formal process for managing individuals who may pose a risk to others within the church community.
  - Bereavement Support
    
    Coping with the experience of losing someone important to us.
  - Financial Hardship & Homelessness
    
    Understanding vulnerability and finding sources of help.
  - IICSA (Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse)
    
    The findings from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
- Safeguarding Policies & Guidance
  
  Essential policies and best practice guidance for keeping people safe in our churches.
  - Core Safeguarding Policy
    
    The official Safeguarding Policy for Children and Adults for the Thames North Synod.
  - Guidance for Elders
    
    Guidance on the safeguarding responsibilities and duties of Elders as charity trustees.
  - Safer Recruitment and Volunteers
    
    The principles and procedures for ensuring only suitable people work with children and adults at risk.
  - Online Safety Guidance
    
    Best practices for safe online communication and ministry.
  - Activities in Private Dwellings
    
    Guidance on assessing and managing the unique risks of holding church activities in private homes.
- Safeguarding Resources & Forms
  
  Download essential safeguarding forms, templates and printable materials for use in your church.
- Safeguarding Contacts
  
  Get in touch with our Safeguarding Officers for confidential advice, support, or reporting.

Safeguarding Overview

How we protect and support children, young people, and vulnerable adults across our churches.

Our Commitment to a Safe Church for All

The Thames North Synod of the United Reformed Church is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and caring environment for all who are part of our community. We believe that every individual has the right to be protected from abuse, neglect, and harm, and we recognise that the welfare of children and adults at risk is paramount.

Our goal is to embed safeguarding into the life and culture of every church, ensuring that our communities are places of trust, support, and protection.

Our Safeguarding Priorities

To achieve our commitment, we focus on five key priorities:

To help our churches navigate the complexities of safeguarding requirements and to provide advice.
Ensuring that churches have the latest policies and procedures in place.
Embedding safer recruitment practice.
Responding appropriately to allegations and concerns.
Delivery of quality and relevant training.

Where to Find Information

This section of our website is designed to give you clear access to the information you need. Please use the links below to navigate to the correct area.

Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
If you’re worried about someone’s safety, find out how to report your concerns clearly and confidentially.

Safeguarding Training & Events
Stay up to date with training opportunities to help you and your church create a safer environment.

Safeguarding Awareness
Learn to recognise the signs of specific safeguarding issues, including different types of abuse, exploitation, and vulnerability.

Safeguarding Policies & Guidance
Essential policies and best practice guidance for keeping people safe in our churches.

Safeguarding Resources & Forms
Download essential safeguarding forms, templates and printable materials for use in your church.

Safeguarding Contacts
Get in touch with our Safeguarding Officers for confidential advice, support, or reporting.

Safeguarding Newsletters

Download our latest safeguarding newsletters to stay informed about recent developments, guidance, and news. You can find our Safeguarding Newsletters on the Latest News page.

Would you like to be added to the mailing list? If so, please email [email protected].