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Safeguarding Policy (Summary)
Duke Street Church (DSC) recognises its responsibility for the safeguarding of all children under the age of 18 as set out in the Children’s Acts 1989 & 2004 (amended by the Children and Social Work Act 2017), Safe from Harm (HM Govt 1994) and Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Govt 2018). We also recognise our responsibility to safeguard vulnerable adults. We commit ourselves to constantly working at being a safer church, reviewing and improving the way we do things.
As members of this church we commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection and safeguarding of all children, young people and vulnerable adults associated with this church and will pray for this regularly.
In pursuit of this we commit ourselves to the following policies and to developing procedures to ensure these policies are implemented. The church members will be reminded of this safeguarding policy annually at a church members’ church meeting. A summary of the Safeguarding policy will be displayed in the church foyer along with contact details of the Safeguarding Team. Copies of this policy document and the procedures to implement it are available online. A copy is also available to any church member or parent or guardian associated with the church.
Our Safeguarding Team:
To ensure effective management of this and related policies and its implementation, we have appointed a Safeguarding Team. Safeguarding is also discussed regularly at trustee meetings. The responsible people are:
● Isabel Baird (Safeguarding Lead 07818 473128, safeguarding@dukestreetchurch.com)
● Chuck Bateman (Trustee with oversight over Safeguarding 07917 815057)
● Matt Bailey (Head of Ministry Support: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) coordinator 07930 687858).
The Safeguarding Lead has the following responsibilities:
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Work with the Safeguarding Team in ensuring that appropriate arrangements are in place for keeping children, young people, vulnerable adults, and DSC staff safe and free from harassment.
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Take the lead in addressing any issues that may constitute a violation of the Safeguarding Policy of DSC.
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Be the first point of contact for children, parents, staff, and vulnerable adults who have concerns regarding their wellbeing related to safeguarding.
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As part of the Safeguarding Team, ensure that Trustees are kept up to date with safeguarding issues and are fully informed of any concerns about organisational safeguarding and child protection.
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The Safeguarding Lead will attend training specifically designed for a safeguarding and child protection coordinator.
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In addressing any safety or harassment concerns, the Lead may call upon outside counsel as well as advisors amongst the Trustees or recognised church leaders (for example, children’s leaders or program coordinators).
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The Lead will report all incidents to Safeguarding TrusteeTrustees, maintaining confidentiality of individuals, and keep a written record of the issue and of the outcome, who in turn will report to Council.
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The Lead will lead a lessons-learned review of any incidents which arise, focusing on any improvements or revisions required in the church safeguarding policy.
Contact
If you are worried about a child, young person or adult who you feel is vulnerable and may be at risk, or you think someone is a risk to others, please contact our Safeguarding Team directly, via email or telephone below:
safeguarding@dukestreetchurch.com
020 8940 1551
If the matter is urgent, please call Richmond Social Services
Monday to Friday - 8am to 5pm: 0208 5475008, Out of hours: 0208 770 5000
In an emergency relating to any safeguarding issue, the police should be contacted on 999.