Introduction
Support for those working with children, young people and adults at risk of harm.
Our Synod Safeguarding Officer works closely with local churches to provide support and guidance for those who work with children & young and adults at risk. Belinda can be contacted on 07716 640 596.
We receive training and telephone helpline support from thirtyone:eight (previously CCPAS Churches Child Protection Advisory Service). thirtyone:eight are an independent Christian charity providing professional advice, training, support and resources in all areas of safeguarding children and adults at risk of harm.
thirtyone:eight produce a regular bulletin highlighting the latest safeguarding news and opinion. You can download the latest copy via this link.
Training
Please contact our Safeguarding Officer for information on training events. Her contact details may be found below.
Telephone Helpline
thirtyone:eight provide a 24 hour safeguarding helpline that our churches in Thames North Synod can access free of charge. You can call 0303 003 11 11 to speak to a Safeguarding Advisor. A record of the call, suggested follow-up and actions will be emailed to you and a copy sent to the Synod Safeguarding Officer.
The URC Safeguarding Policy, the Good Practice 5, can be downloaded here. A list of all the relevant Good Practice 5 Appendices can also be located here as well as the main URC Safeguarding page which has lots of useful resources.
DBS checks
The United Reformed Church currently uses the Due Diligence Checking Ltd (DDC) to process our DBS checks for those working with children and adults at risk. Checks for Minsters and Assembly Accredited Lay Preachers are processed by the URC Ministries Office DBS checks should be renewed every five years. (from the URC website). More information is available here.
Contact details
Ms Belinda Nielsen
Synod Safeguarding Officer
Safeguarding email address
Tel. 07716 640 596
