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SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT

 

It is the policy of the Harnhill Centre that everyone is honoured and kept safe and protected at the Centre and everyone has a responsibility to protect those with whom they have contact and promote their welfare. To this end our commitment to Safeguarding is:

  • We recognise that everyone has different levels of vulnerability and that each of us may be regarded as vulnerable at some point in our lives.
  • We are committed to anti-discriminatory practice and will give equal priority to keeping all people safe regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
  • We will ensure that we recruit volunteers and staff in a safe way, and exercise proper care in the selection of those in positions of trust and that they are all aware of their role in safeguarding people.
  • We will ensure that those volunteers and staff who may only have occasional contact with children or vulnerable adults are aware of our safeguarding commitment, policy and procedures.
  • We will ensure that those eligible for DBS checks have them and that they are up to date. We will provide ongoing safeguarding training and supervision.
  • We will ensure that the Director of the Centre and those in positions of trust undertake Diocesan Training in this area.
  • We will offer informed and respectful pastoral care to those who have suffered abuse or perpetrated abuse. We will ensure that we work with statutory agencies and the Diocese to ensure that we work in a safe way.
  • We will keep up to date with national and local developments regarding safeguarding and it is our best intention at all times to be conversant with and uphold the requirements of legislation pertaining to Safeguarding.
  • We will respect people’s privacy and dignity. Any limitations to confidentiality will be explained to those receiving prayer ministry during their first session. Anyone who begins to make a disclosure during a prayer ministry opportunity at The Harnhill Centre either about themselves or a vulnerable third party will immediately be informed of our duty. If we are aware that a child or a vulnerable adult is or has been at risk from abuse, harm or neglect and we need to make a disclosure it will be to a limited number of people. Where possible the person will be informed of what is being disclosed and to whom.
  • We will ensure there is always an appointed Safeguarding Officer.

Notes for parents/guardians:

Children are always welcome at The Centre although our ministry is not primarily aimed at children. Our facilities in this respect are limited. When children visit the Centre, they are the responsibility of their parent or carer. If a child is restless during a service, the parent or carer is asked to take the child and listen to the service from the foyer or leave the building. This is to ensure that others can worship without distraction.

 

The Safeguarding Officer for Harnhill is:  Reverend Kate Picot

The Lead Trustee for Safeguarding is: Colin Rank

Contact Details: The Harnhill Centre, Harnhill, Cirencester, GL7 5PX. Tel. 01285 850283

This policy was adopted by the trustees on: 15/3/22

This policy was last updated on: 14/3/24.