Definitions

For purposes of this policy statement, the terms ‘child’ or ‘children’ include all those under the age of 18.

The term ‘volunteer’ includes any people working with children within the church setting or any children’s activities organised by The Rock Community Church.

The term ‘abuse’ includes any action (or lack of action) that endangers or harms a child’s physical, psychological or emotional health and development. Child abuse can take many different forms, and includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect.

Statement

At The Rock we are committed to ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for the children in our care and we regard safeguarding of children within our church as a high priority. We also recognise that safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility.

As a church we are committed to ensuring that those who volunteer or work with children:

• Regularly attend The Rock and have met with the leadership team prior to commencing any children’s activities
• Has undergone a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check and deemed safe to work with children
• Is adequately trained, supervised and has the correct level of experience for the role
• Completes Safeguarding Children Level 1 Training as a minimum requirement
• Understands the church safeguarding policy and the procedures for reporting any concerns

As a church we will ensure that we:

• Structure our programmes and activities to protect both children and those working with them
• Listen to, take seriously and record any report or disclosure of abuse
• Report any safeguarding concerns to the children’s services social work team or emergency duty team
• Are aware of the laws and policies governing safeguarding children including The Children (Guernsey and Alderney) Law 2008 and The Criminal Justice (Children and Juvenille Court Reform) Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 2008.
• Follow health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments for all activities and review these annually.
• Follow good practive guidelines with regards to safeguarding, seeking advice from the Islands Safeguarding Children Partnership (ISCP) where needed.
• Have an appointed Safeguarding Lead and provide their contact details to all volunteers.

Our current safeguarding Lead is Katie Bassett who may be contacted using the details below if there are any concerns regarding the welfare of a child.

office@rock.gg  |  01481 242282

Statement Date: March 2020