Safeguarding Statement
New Community Network are committed to providing as safe an environment as possible for all those who visit and attend our church meetings, other outreach projects and activities. In particular, we take the safeguarding of children and adults very seriously.
Safeguarding is the action taken to promote the welfare of children and adults, and to protect those who may be at risk of harm.
As a leadership team and board of trustees we have appointed a Safeguarding Team to oversee the development and delivery of policy and good practice, along with other Safeguarding Leads to ensure that we have a team that provide as safe as possible a place to come and enjoy church and other activities.
We want to ensure that as a visitor, parent/carer, or as an adult who may have concerns about their own safety, another adults, or a child or young person, we want you to know you can talk to the leadership team, or our safeguarding team. We are here to listen and manage your concerns involving the relevant staff or agencies as necessary.
The welfare of any child or adult involved with any of our activities is of paramount importance and we are committed to ensuring that children, young people and adults are valued, listened to and respected.
Every person, no matter their gender, disability, racial or ethnic background, religious beliefs or sexual orientation, has a right to be in a safe and caring environment when participating in any activities run by New Community and a right to equal protection from any form of exploitation or abuse.
Everyone working within New Community Network, including the trustees, employees and volunteers, is responsible for ensuring that children and adults are safe.
We promote the welfare of all children, young people and adults participating in our activities by:
following appropriate procedures when recruiting and selecting new staff or volunteers such as references and DBS checks
providing training to all who work with us so that they are aware of their responsibilities
ensuring that any concerns of possible abuse are referred appropriately to statutory agencies as necessary
identifying and implementing good practice in relation to the care, protection and welfare of children, young people and adults.
We also provide our church community and visitors with resources and information leaflets on a variety of safeguarding subjects, including the different forms of abuse and how we or others can help should the issue arise. These can be found in the foyer and we hope you find them helpful. We are aware that we all need to work together to ensure children and adults at risk of abuse, are as safe as possible.
To view and download our full Safeguarding policies on both children and adults, click the links below:
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN:
If you have a concern regarding the safety or well-being of a child or adult then please contact one of our Safeguarding Team on: safeguarding@newcommunity.org.uk
The Safeguarding Team are:
Elaine Davidson – Safeguarding Manager
Sara Jones - Children & Families Designated Safeguarding Officer
Flora Hinks - Mission & Discipleship Designated Safeguarding Officer
Esther Manners - Pastoral Designated Safeguarding Officer
Kathy Swift - Trustee Designated Safeguarding Officer
Chris Tuck – Chair of Safeguarding Committee
Where necessary we will work closely with police, local support agencies and children and adult services to ensure we do the best we can for those who are struggling or suffering abuse. Our leadership team are also available, and our pastoral team will be able to pass on a concern should you ask them to.
Remember, if you have any concerns that a child or an adult may be suffering from signs of abuse or neglect, please contact someone. You can speak to members of our safeguarding team either on a Sunday or email them to book an appointment during the week.
Alternatively, if you have a concern you can talk directly to:
Southampton Children’s Services: 02380 833336
Southampton Adult Services: 02380 333003
NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
OR call 999 in an emergency.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.