Our full Safeguarding Policy document, which is based on The United Reformed Church's Good Practice 6 guidelines is available to view and download here.

The care and protection of children, young people and adults at risk who are involved in church activities is the responsibility of the whole Church. Everyone who participates in the life of the Church has a role to play in promoting a safer Church for all.

Aim and purpose of this policy

The aim of this policy is to ensure that protecting people from abuse, harm or neglect is central to our culture. It provides procedures for promoting safeguarding, preventing abuse and protecting children, adults at risk and staff. This includes clear procedures for taking appropriate action when safeguarding concerns are raised.

The policy has five overarching comittments:

1. Creating a safer culture

We are committed to creating a safer culture in our church which will help us to prevent harm from occurring and provide an environment in which all can flourish.

2. Ensuring safer activities

Whilst it is not possible to guard against every eventuality, we are committed to providing as safe an environment as possible for activities both on and off church premises.

3. Recognising and responding to concerns

We acknowledge that, although promoting Safer Culture and Safer Activities will help to protect all those in contact with the church, some concerns will inevitably arise and we are committed to responding well in such circumstances.

4. Managing allegations and people who may pose a risk to others

Where allegations are made against individuals within the Church, we are committed to following all required investigative and regulatory procedures. We will work in collaboration with the Synod, wider Church staff, statutory agencies and other relevant organisations.

5. Supporting victims and survivors

The key principle underpinning our policy and practice in this area is that all those who have experienced abuse, whether recently or in the past ‘will be listened to and offered the pastoral care and support they deem appropriate and relevant, irrespective of type of abuse, context, or when this occurred’ (General Assembly policy statement 2021).

Safeguarding Contacts

Church Safeguarding Coordinator - Mrs Susan Scott
01933677450

Deputy Church Safeguarding Coordinator - Mrs Jane Wilson
01933223672

Synod Safeguarding Officer – Ben Twelves
safeguarding@urc5.org.uk
07935 991545

Local statutory services: Children
Contact details, including an out of hours number:
0300 126 7000 (Day), 01604 626 938 (Night)
Local statutory services: Adults
Contact details, including an out of hours number:
0300 126 7000 - West Northants, (Day) 0300 126 3000 (North Northants)