The Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults is taken seriously at Brixington Community Church (BCC) and the church Safeguarding Policy can be found at the end of this introduction. It applies to all aspects of our work and to everyone working at BCC, whether they be an employee or a volunteer. The Pastor, all Trustees and any personnel who work with vulnerable persons are DBS checked and undergo the required ‘Excellence in Safeguarding Training’ as required and given by the South West Baptist Association.
The church recognises its responsibilities in safeguarding all children, young people and adults at risk regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability. The church has a robust Safeguarding Policy in place which all members are made aware of, and are reminded of each year during the Annual General Meeting. It is the duty of each individual person to help prevent the abuse of all vulnerable people. Any abuse suspected, discovered or disclosed will be reported in accordance with the procedures laid out in the Safeguarding Policy, and the church will co-operate fully with any statutory investigation into any abuse linked in any way with the church.
The church has an appointed person to lead the church Safeguarding team who is known as the Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS) and is the Safeguarding Trustee. The team consists of the DPS, the Safeguarding Administrator and the Youth and Children’s Leader and their contact details can be found on any of the notice boards around the church building.
In short, Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and protect them from harm.