Safeguarding

Churches Together in Bishops Stortford recognise our responsibility to safeguard vulnerable children and adults.

Should you have any concerns on any matter relating to safeguarding issues please contact us using the dedicated e-mail address

ctbssafeguarding@gmail.com

Our safeguarding policy is reproduced below.  Other documents related to safeguarding can be requested using the e-mail above

Churches Together Bishops Stortford (CTBS)

Safeguarding Policy-For Children and Vulnerable Adults

The following policy was agreed at the CTBS Enabling Group Meeting on 07/02/2024.

In accordance with the recommendations of Churches Together in England, CTBS is adhering to the safeguarding policy of a major denomination, in this case the Church of England’s one.

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy CTBS is committed to:

 

  • Promoting a safer environment and culture.
  • Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults at events run exclusively by CTBS.
  • Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
  • Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons in collaboration with the church the person is a member of or by linking them with a CTBS church for support if not already a member of one.
  • Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons in collaboration with the church the person is a member of or by linking them with a CTBS church for support if not already a member of one.
  • Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.

 

CTBS will:

 

  • Create a safe and caring place for all.
  • Have a named Safeguarding Officer to work with the enabling group to implement policy and procedures.
  • Safely recruit, train, and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people ,and vulnerable adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse for all events exclusively run by CTBS.
  • Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and vulnerable adults undertaken in the name of CTBS.
  • Display at CTBS events (happening offsite of any member church) and on the CTBS website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
  • A copy of the CTBS safeguarding policy will be linked to the event sign-up page for any CTBS specific event.
  • Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
  • Take steps to protect children and vulnerable adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following Church of England’s House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.
  • Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
  • Care for and monitor any member of CTBS who may pose a risk to children and vulnerable adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
  • Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
  • Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.

 

Member Churches of CTBS Will:

 

  • Member Churches must have their own policies for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in line with national legislation.
  • These policies will be clearly displayed in member churches and on their church websites.
  • Member churches will confirm annually with CTBS that they have these in place,

Associates of CTBS Will:

 

  • Have their own safeguarding policy for children and vulnerable adults in accordance with national legislation

or

  • Adopt the safeguarding policy of the CTBS member church in which they locate their events

or

  • Adopt the CTBS safeguarding policy
  • Associates will confirm annually with CTBS which of these they are adopting.

 

Each person who works within CTBS will agree to abide by this policy. Any CTBS event not happening in the building or ground of a specific member Church will come under this Policy. e.g. a field or open-air event. The organisers responsible for a specific CTBS event must adhere to the CTBS Safeguarding Policy and communicate this via the poster which should be visible to participants.

 

CTBS appoints Phyllis Alaezi as the CTBS Safeguarding Officer