Safeguarding
Safeguarding means having a culture of vigilance where everyone knows their responsibilities and acts accordingly.
The URC is committed to safeguarding in every area of its life and ministry.
This means we will:
- Do all we can to create and maintain a safe and caring environment for all people
- Respond promptly and effectively to any form of abuse and neglect, including reporting abuse to statutory agencies when necessary
- Seek to prevent abuse in any form from occurring. We will seek to identify individuals who may pose a risk to others and take necessary actions to minimise risk whilst supporting these individuals in our communities when safe to do so.
The Synod Safeguarding Officer
email@ safeguardingofficer@urcsouthwest.org.uk
Phone: 07875 454064
For any issues relating to safeguarding, urgent or otherwise please contact Claire, our Synod Safeguarding Officer. Claire can offer advice and assistance even if you’re not sure if the issue is a safeguarding concern.
If you have a concern, have witnessed abuse, or it has been disclosed to you, you must report it to your Church Safeguarding Coordinator or Synod Safeguarding Officer within 24 hours. The only exception is if they are the subject of the concerns, in which case you must report it to the Safeguarding Adviser at Church House.
If you are unable to get advice from the Safeguarding Officer or your Church Safeguarding Coordinator and have significant concerns, please contact your local authority Child or Adult Social Care. Or if someone is at risk of imminent harm, please call 999.
Good Practice 6
Training
- National training on specific subjects
- Foundation training
- CSC forum
- Intermediate training poster
DBS and Safer recruitment
- Safer recruitment – United Reformed Church
- Becoming a Safeguarding coordinator
- Responding to an allegation or concern
Resources
- Feel safe poster to let people know there is someone to talk to.
Newsletters