We operate a policy for safeguarding children and a separate one for safeguarding adults with care and support needs.

All those in leadership, volunteering in children’s ministry or working with adults with care and support needs have undergone a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service and attend relevant safeguarding training every three years.

We have a safeguarding co-ordinator on the Eldership and the Diaconate, and we have two Designated People who can be approached by anyone who has concerns about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult.

We subscribe to thirty one:eight (previously the Churches Child Protection Advisory Service).

SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT FOR WOODVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

Our vision

The vision statement of Woodville Baptist Church is ‘Love God, love each other, love Cathays’.

In fulfilling this vision, we:

• Welcome children and adults at risk into the life of our community
• Run activities for children and adults at risk
• Make our premises available to organisations working with children and adults at risk

Our safeguarding responsibilities

The church recognises its responsibilities in safeguarding all children, young people and adults at risk, regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability.

As members of this church we commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection and safekeeping of all associated with the church and will pray for them regularly. In pursuit of this, we commit ourselves to this policy and to the development of sound procedures to ensure we implement our policy well.

• Prevention and reporting of abuse

It is the duty of each church member to help prevent the abuse of children and adults at risk, and the duty of each church member to respond to concerns about the well-being of children and adults at risk. Any abuse disclosed, discovered or suspected will be reported in accordance with our procedures. The church will fully co-operate with any statutory investigation into any suspected abuse linked with the church.

• Safer recruitment, support and supervision of workers

The church will exercise proper care in the selection and appointment of those working with children and adults at risk, whether paid or voluntary. All workers will be provided with appropriate training, support and supervision to promote the safekeeping of children and adults at risk.

• Respecting children and adults at risk

The church will adopt a code of behaviour for all who are appointed to work with children and adults at risk so that all children and adults are shown the respect that is due to them.

• Safer working practices

The church is committed to providing an environment that is as safe as possible for children and adults at risk and will adopt ways of working with them that promote their safety and well-being.

• A safer community

The church is committed to the prevention of bullying. The church will seek to ensure that the behaviour of any individuals who may pose a risk to children, young people and adults at risk in the community of the church is managed appropriately.

Copies of our safeguarding policies are available upon request from the church office. Please contact us for more information.