Introduction

Support for those working with children, young people and adults at risk of harm.

Introduction to Safeguarding

Thames North Synod’s main safeguarding 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.

The Synod Safeguarding Officer is Belinda Herbert who oversees safeguarding both children and young people and adults. Belinda can be contacted on 07716 640 596.

Belinda is available during Office Hours. If you have an urgent safeguarding query or concern at any time you can get in touch with your Local Authority Children’s Social Care or Adult’s Social Care Teams. In an emergency or if you are concerned that someone is at risk of harm or in danger please dial 999 immediately and ask for the police.

Belinda Herbert
Synod Safeguarding Officer

Key Local Church Safeguarding Priorities.

Respond to incidents and allegations effectively
Seek support from the Synod Safeguarding Officer
Create a safe environment within Church
Ensure that the Church has an up to date safeguarding policy which is renewed annually and that the Church adheres the denominational policies and procedures.
Ensure that every Church appoints a Safeguarding Coordinator for children and adults at risk. For those undertaking this role the URC offers helpful guidance
Ensure that Safer Recruitment practices are followed completely in line with Good Practice guidelines.
Elders and Trustees awareness of their legal requirements to safeguard.

The URC Safeguarding Policy, the Good Practice 6, can be downloaded here. A list of all the relevant Good Practice 6 resources can also be located here as well as the main URC Safeguarding page which has lots of useful resources.

Safeguarding

Communicating Safely Online

Volunteers and Safer Recruitment

Good Practice 6

Bereavement

Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse Emergency Contacts

Financial Abuse