Safeguarding Policy 2026

Statement: As a church, we commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection and safekeeping of all, especially children, young people and adults at risk.

The church recognises its responsibilities for the safeguarding of all children and young people under the age of 18 (regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality or ability) as set out in The Children Act 1989 and 2004, Safe from Harm (HM Government 1994) and Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government 2010).

It is the policy of this church to safeguard the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, by protecting them from neglect and abuse (physical, emotional, spiritual and sexual). The whole church has a responsibility towards child protection, caring for the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of our children and young people. Any concerns should be immediately raised with Clare Bradley (Designated Person for Safeguarding).

Safe recruitment, support and supervision of workers

The church will exercise proper care in the selection and appointment of those working with children and young people. All workers will be offered appropriate training, support and supervision to promote safeguarding of children.

Hill Cliffe Baptist Church volunteers and others in regular contact with children, young people and vulnerable adults are in a position to get to know those individuals well, to develop trusting relationships, observe changes in behaviour and may be chosen by the individual to share confidences and concerns. There are occasions where there are concerns someone is at risk of harm. All such situations must be taken seriously.

It is also the policy of this church to protect adults working with children and young people by providing them with appropriate guidelines and safe working practices.

It is the responsibility of each adult to ensure that their behaviour is appropriate at all times and abide by the code of behaviour outlined below.

If there is an allegation or suspicion that someone is at risk of harm at any time then this must be reported immediately to Clare Bradley. It is her responsibility to refer to social services/police. At all times the welfare of the child or young person is paramount.

Each Organisation using Hill Cliffe’s buildings to work with children, young people or vulnerable adults must do so in line with this Safeguarding Policy. Eg: Ensuring access to the buildings is regulated by staff who are DBS checked and ensure that the front door to HCBC remains locked or staffed, as appropriate.

Procedure if you suspect someone is at risk of harm

If someone tells you something that concerns you, allow them to speak without interruption and without challenging what is said. Advise them that you will offer support, but that you must pass on the information to Clare Bradley but reassure them that you won’t tell anyone who doesn’t need to know. Reassure them that their wellbeing is our greatest concern.

• Immediately contact the Designated person for Safeguarding, Clare Bradley: safeguarding@hillcliffe.info or 01925 264903. If unavailable please contact Steve Gray, Church Secretary: steve.gray@hillcliffe.info or 01925 600989.
• Record the known facts in writing and give them to Clare Bradley, keeping a copy for yourself.
• Do not share this information with other people as confidentiality is important.

Code of behaviour

This Code of Behaviour gives a summary of positive guidance for all adults. It is essential that all adults follow the Code of Behaviour whether they work with children, young people or adults.

• Do treat everyone with Respect.
• Do provide a Christ like example you wish others to follow.
• Do plan activities so that they involve more than one other person.
• Do respect a child’s or young person’s right to personal privacy.
• Do create an environment where children, young people and adults feel comfortable to graciously point out attitudes or behaviours they find difficult to tolerate.
• Do ask the caring question of any activity: For whose benefit is this activity?
• Do act as a responsible adult role model.
• Do not permit abusive peer activities (eg: bullying or ridiculing).
• Do not participate in activities based primarily on physical contact (eg: wrestling, horse play etc.).
• Do not make inappropriate comments or verbal exchanges with young people (eg: swearing, inappropriate jokes, suggestive comments).
• Do not get into a situation where you rely on your ‘good name’ to protect you from allegation.
• Do not believe it could never happen to you.

Further guidelines and specific detail can be found in the Model Safeguarding Policies and Procedures. A copy of this can be made available to anyone who asks the church office.

If you are uncertain about any of this policy please contact Clare Bradley.

Volunteer recruitment process

Everyone wanting to work with children, young people or vulnerable adults at HCBC is required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This will be coordinated by Leah in the church office.

Volunteers will also be asked to provide a reference (from previous employers or church) and may be asked to complete relevant training.

Contacts at Hill Cliffe Baptist

• Safeguarding lead: Clare Bradley, safeguarding@hillcliffe.info, 01925 264903
• Church Secretary: Steve Gray, steve.gray@hillcliffe.info, 01925 600989
• Youth Worker: John Harper, bypjohn@outlook.com, 07840 456564 or 01925 264903
• Children’s work coordinators: Jen Anderson and Clare Bradley, clare.bradley@hillcliffe.info
• Regional Minister (NWBA): Phil Jump, 07754 599298 or 01942 221595

Safeguarding: This policy will be updated annually and then viewed by the HCBC Leadership.