Safeguarding at Parklands Church
We are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of our ministry and mission, promoting a safer culture and the welfare of every child, young person and adult, in a way that honours Jesus. We have robust policies, procedures and guidelines in place to ensure good practice. If you are worried about something and wish to report it, please use one of the Safeguarding Reporting Forms below. Keep reading to learn more about our safeguarding policies and meet the team dedicated to protecting our members.
Our Commitment to Safety
Get Involved
Join us in creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Discover how you can be involved in serving on one of our teams, and contribute to our safeguarding efforts.
Meet Our Safeguarding Team
Our dedicated team ensures the safety and well-being of all members of our community. Get to know the individuals who are committed to safeguarding at Parklands Church.
Matt Crome
Senior Leader
Meryl Williams
Safeguarding Team Lead
Jane de Rooy
Safeguarding Team Lead
Mark Campion
Trustee for Safeguarding
safeguarding Policies, procedures and handbooks
Safeguarding Policies, Procedures and Handbooks
As a church, we have put in place safeguarding policies and procedures to protect children and vulnerable adults. These are contained within our Safeguarding Policies and Procedures Handbooks, which may be accessed by clicking on the links below. These policies and procedures apply to members of our congregation, as well as everyone who works on the church’s behalf with children, young people, their parents / carers and adults at risk of abuse (whether trustees, senior leaders, group / ministry leaders, paid staff, volunteers, or others working on our behalf).
Child Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Handbook
Vulnerable Adults Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Handbook
Safeguarding Reference Guide
For team members, this Safeguarding Reference Guide is a useful resource to refer to while you are serving.
Safeguarding Awareness Flyer
This Safeguarding Awareness Flyer is for everyone who attends Parklands church; whether you are a parent or carer, you serve on a team, a member of the congregation or you are a staff member. It is essential that we are all diligent in our steps to keep all those in our midst safe from harm in order to enable our church community to flourish.
Safeguarding Reporting Forms
The information you provide in these forms will be treated as strictly confidential and will only be shared on a need to know basis. Data will be stored securely in line with GDPR regulations and will not be shared with any third parties. For further information about our data protection policies, please click here.
Wellbeing Concern
This form is for use by those who wish to report any behaviour that gives them cause for concern. This could relate to a member of the congregation, a child or young person.
This form goes to the Senior Leader and relevant staff member. It is shared with the safeguarding team if appropriate.
Ongoing Report – Wellbeing
This form is for use by those who have previously completed a wellbeing concern form. This form should be used to provide additional information, further updates or concerns after the initial report.
This form goes to the Senior Leader and relevant staff member. It is shared with the safeguarding team if appropriate.
Disclosure
This form is for use by those who wish to report a disclosure of abuse which has been received by them, from a member of the congregation, a child or young person.
Disclosure Forms go straight to the Safeguarding Team who will review the concerns, follow the relevant procedures and initiate the necessary action.
Raise a Concern
This form should be used by those who wish to raise any safeguarding concerns regarding the Senior Leader or an Elder.
This form goes directly to the Lead Trustee for Safeguarding and the Chair of the Trustees who will review the concerns, follow the relevant procedures and initiate the necessary action.
Safeguarding FAQs
Find answers to common questions about our safeguarding policies and procedures at Parklands Church.
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding means enabling children, young people and vulnerable adults to live their lives free from harm, abuse and neglect, and to have their health, wellbeing and human rights protected.
Who is responsible for safeguarding?
Everyone in the church community has a role to play in safeguarding. However, we have a dedicated safeguarding team that oversees and implements our safeguarding policies.
Why have a safeguarding policy?
The purpose of our child and adult safeguarding policies is to ensure that we provide a healthy, nurturing, and safe environment for everyone within our church community.
We want to ensure that every member of our church community is protected from harm and
abuse and that if abuse is identified, it is handled promptly, effectively and fairly.
How can I report a safeguarding concern?
We encourage an open and transparent culture that listens to the views and wishes of every member of our church community and supports the raising of concerns.
If you have a safeguarding concern, you can report it to a team member or a member of our safeguarding team. You can also report a concern or disclosure via the appropriate form as described above.
All information to do with any and all disclosures or the reporting of concerns will be kept securely and confidentially in line with the church’s separate Privacy and GDPR Policies, available online here.
Do staff and volunteers receive training?
We ensure our trustees, staff and volunteers are clear about their roles and responsibilities and we support them to competently and confidently fulfil them.
Therefore, all staff and volunteers at Parklands Church undergo regular safeguarding training to ensure they are equipped to recognize and respond to safeguarding issues effectively.
How often is the safeguarding policy reviewed?
Our safeguarding policy is reviewed annually to ensure it remains up-to-date with current legislation and best practices. Any necessary updates are implemented promptly.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
At Parklands Church, safeguarding is a fundamental aspect of our mission. We believe that every individual has the right to feel safe and protected within our community. Our safeguarding measures are designed to prevent harm and ensure the well-being of all members, especially children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We are committed to implementing and upholding our safeguarding policies and ensuring our teams are well equipped for their roles. This includes conducting disclosure and barring checks, providing ongoing training for staff and volunteers, and creating a safe environment where everyone can thrive.
Get Involved in Safeguarding
If you have any questions or need assistance regarding safeguarding at Parklands Church, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are here to support you and ensure the safety and well-being of our community. Click here to contact us for more information.