Safeguarding Policies

St John’s Church as a place of worship is committed to the protection of children and vulnerable adults and ensuring the well-being of all who attend Church activities. The Church takes the safety of everyone very seriously and expects that all will work within the church’s safeguarding policy. In particular the Church expects anyone who becomes aware of a safeguarding risk, or of actual abuse to raise this immediately.

The PCC follows the Birmingham Diocesan Policy, committed to ensuring that everyone working with children, young people and vulnerable adults:

  • Has been safely recruited

  • Is adequately trained and supervised

  • Understands and follows St John’s Church Safeguarding Policy

Download a copy of our Safeguarding Policy

Download a copy of our Safeguarding Policy for Responding to Domestic Abuse

Download a copy of our Safeguarding Policy for Recruitment of Employees & Volunteers

St John’s Church recognises its responsibilities for the safeguarding of all children, young people under the age of 18 years, and vulnerable adults regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability, as set out in current legislation, and to nurture, protect and safeguard all children and young people taking part in church activities on or off site. We as a church have a duty to protect the children entrusted to our care and all of the volunteers and staff working in our groups are checked in accordance with current Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) requirements and have mandatory regular training in Safeguarding.

 

Children and Young People (Under 18 years)

DBS Safeguarding clearance is provided at differing levels for different groups of people. In co-operation with the Diocese, each of the church’s ministries has been considered as to which level is required.

All those working with under 18 yr olds will be checked in line with current DBS requirements whether assisting with crèche, leading Sunday morning Children’s Groups, Toddler Group, hosting Youth Cell groups or helping at Youth Socials. Additionally, they will all be required to complete a volunteer commitment form and to undertake safeguarding training.

Short-term volunteers such as those helping at residential camps or outings will also require safe recruitment, so if you intend to help, don’t leave it until the last minute to volunteer!

The ministries listed above are at various levels, so if you are covered for one area please do not assume you are covered elsewhere. For instance, Toddler Group helpers are not cleared for Sunday Children’s Groups.

Vulnerable Adults

The law is more complicated when it comes to Vulnerable Adults which includes all The Crossway Ministries and those assisting Catriona Foster in her work with Older People.

 

Ruth Bio (Safeguarding Co-ordinator)

Ruth is responsible for processing Disclosure and Barring records and assisting with Safe Recruitment, liaising with the Diocese and 31:8 formerly CCPAS. (Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service)

 
 
 

If you are in any doubt about your situation contact the St John’s Safeguarding Team. Contact them as a team at safeguarding@stjohnsharborne.org or individually as you feel comfortable.
If you have any concerns about the safety or welfare of anyone under 18 years, or a vulnerable adult in our church, please speak with the Clergy, Ruth Bio, Helen Baines or Dave Atkins.