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Safeguarding Policy Statement

Promoting a Safer Church

 

Our vision

The vision statement of Shotgate Baptist Church is “Developing People in God’s image”
We seek to share the good news of Jesus Christ, and show God's love in the community. 

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.


Safeguarding contact points within our church


The church has appointed the following individuals to form part of the church safeguarding team:

Louise Kent, Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS)
She will advise the church on any matters related to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk and take the appropriate action when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected.

Pam Hawkins, Deputy Designated Person for Safeguarding (DDPS)
She will assist the Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS) in helping the church on any matters related to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk and take the appropriate action when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected.

Gary Cannon, Deputy Designated Person for Safeguarding (DDPS)
He will assist the Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS) in helping the church on any matters related to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk and take the appropriate action when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected.

Louise Kent, Safeguarding Trustee
She will raise the profile of safeguarding within the church and oversee and monitor the implementation of the safeguarding policy and procedures on behalf of the church trustees.

Our church minister is also an important part of the Church Safeguarding Team.  Where possible, the Church Safeguarding Team will work together if and when issues arise. However, each person has a responsibility to report allegations of abuse as soon as they are raised.

Contact details for these individuals can be found in the church’s Safeguarding Policy.

Putting our policy into practice:

  • A copy of the safeguarding policy statement will be displayed permanently on the church noticeboard and church office.
  • Each worker with children and/or adults at risk will be given a full copy of the safeguarding policy and procedures.
  • A full copy of the policy and procedures will be made available on request to any member of, or other person associated with the church.
  • The policy and procedures will be monitored and reviewed annually, and any necessary revisions adopted into the policy and implemented through our procedures.
  • The policy statement will be read annually at the church AGM.

This statement was adopted at a church meeting held on 24th March 2019
 
Signed:          L.Kent
 
Position:         Church Secretary   Date: 25th March 2019

Planning your Visit

New to Church?

Key information about the church ...


Welcome! Whether you've just moved to the area, or have lived here all your life, we hope our website helps you to find out everything you want to know about our Church, specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect on a Sunday morning.

Where & when does the church meet?

We meet at the Church Building (details below) for our Sunday Service starting at 10:30am. For your first visit, we recommend arriving 10 minutes early to ensure you get a parking space and find somewhere to sit before the service begins. When you arrive please do introduce yourself to someone, we are a friendly bunch.

We serve tea, coffee and biscuits after the church service finishes, usually around 11:45am, please do stay for a tea or coffee and a chat with fellow visitors and our church members. All refreshments are free.

You can see a map of our church location on our contact us page.

Accessibility: There is wheelchair access, and there are disabled toilets in the main foyer. Please let the person welcoming on the door know if you require any assistance.

What should I expect when I visit the church?

The main service begins at 10:30am with a warm welcome from one of our church members. Then follows a time of sung worship, led by our talented music team. Sometimes a person might pray out loud or read a small passage from the bible. Sometimes people share things that they believe God is saying to the whole church family. This might seem strange the first time you hear it but it’s all part of our connecting with God. We then share news and notices, usually about what’s going on in the life of the church. Our Minister or a visiting speaker will then give a sermon that is bible based and that we can apply to our everyday life. We then finish with a final worship song. Sometimes there is an opportunity to receive prayer at the end of the service.


images: Services

What happens to the kids at church?

We love to have children join us, and welcome all ages! We ask that children be accompanied by their parent/grown-up at all times.

Children stay with their parent or grown-up at the start of the service for the welcome, songs and notices. We really value worshipping God all together as a family. At the end of the first part of the service someone will announce that it’s time for the younger members to go to their group called 'The Ark' . You are welcome to go with your children to their group, if they would be more comfortable with this. 

The Ark activities vary depending on the age and theme but usually there is a friendly welcome, bible stories, testimonies, praying, music, craft, drama, fun games and play. Please pick your children up as soon as the service finishes.

Children

Is there a dress code?

No! Please just be yourself and come dressed in your 'normal' clothes.

Will I have to join in?

Not at all! You are free to simply observe or participate as much as feels comfortable for you.

I have more questions, how can I get in touch and ask them?

Please feel free to contact us.
 

Getting Connected

 

Care Groups

While Sundays are a great way to meet new people, it is often in smaller gatherings that you can really get to know someone. Being part of one of our Care Groups allows you to make new friends, share together and support each other. Check out Care Groups and see if there’s one that you could join.

Serving and Volunteering

If you want to get involved in the life of the church and help us make Sundays run smoothly, just let us know! 

Other Ministries

We also run other events, activities and socials throughout the year - please check out the Church Life pages for more information.

If you want to know who the church leaders are , check out our church Leadership Team page.