Safeguarding Policy for Lighthouse Church Telford

Effective Date: 1^st January 2024

1.Introduction

Lighthouse Church Telford is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all, especially for children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This safeguarding policy outlines our commitment to protecting individuals from harm and promoting their well-being.

2.Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Safeguard the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
• Provide clear guidelines for staff and volunteers.
• Promote a culture of vigilance and accountability.

3.Scope

This policy applies to all church staff, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of Lighthouse Church Telford.

4.Principles of Safeguarding

• Respect and Dignity: Every individual has the right to be treated with respect and dignity.
• Empowerment: We encourage individuals to express their views and participate in decisions affecting them.
• Prevention: We take proactive measures to prevent harm and abuse.
• Protection: We ensure that any concerns about the welfare of individuals are addressed promptly and appropriately.

5.Code of Conduct

All staff and volunteers are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Maintain professional boundaries with children and vulnerable adults.
• Avoid any behaviour that could be misinterpreted as inappropriate.
• Report any concerns regarding safeguarding immediately to the designated safeguarding lead.

6.Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Church has appointed a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) to oversee safeguarding matters:

Name: Jen Kaul
Contact Information: E:  [email protected] T: 07747 755520

7.Reporting Concerns

If you have concerns about the safety or well-being of a child, young person, or vulnerable adult, please report your concerns to the DSL as soon as possible. All reports will be treated confidentially and sensitively.

8.Training and Support

All staff and volunteers will receive training on safeguarding practices and policies to ensure they are equipped to recognize and respond to safeguarding issues.

9.Recruitment and Selection

We implement safer recruitment practices to ensure that all staff and volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults are vetted and monitored appropriately.

10.Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure it remains effective and compliant with relevant legislation.

11.Contact Us

For questions or concerns about our safeguarding policy, please contact:

Lighthouse Church Telford
Holyhead Road, Ketley, Telford, TF1 5DS
E: [email protected]
T: 01952 446048