In fulfilling this safeguarding responsibility the church:

• Welcomes children, young people and vulnerable adults into the life of our community

• Responds pastorally and/or practically to an identified need in our community

• Provides Sozo sessions to adults (over 18s)

The church recognises its responsibilities for the safeguarding of all children and young people under the age of 18 (regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability). The laws governing safeguarding are The Children (Guernsey and Alderney) Law 2008 (known as the Children Law) and The Criminal Justice (Children and Juvenile Court Reform) (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 2008 (known as the Criminal Law).

As members of this church we commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection and safeguarding of all children, young people and vulnerable adults associated with the church. 

Our Commitments

• Promoting a safer environment and culture.

• Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults.

• Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.

• Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse or other affected persons.

• Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns/allegations of abuse and other affected persons.

• Responding to those that may pose a present risk.
  

What do we do?

• We commit ourselves to nurture, protect and safeguard all our members, particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults.

• We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church community.

• We undertake to exercise proper care in the selection, appointment, training and support of those working in both paid and voluntary positions with children or vulnerable adults, including the use of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosures and making appropriate referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

• We listen to, take seriously and record any report, concern or disclosure of abuse, 

• We will respond without delay to concerns or allegations that a child or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and social care services in any investigation.

• We will report any safeguarding concerns to the children’s services social work team or emergency duty team.

• We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.

• We will seek to offer pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them appropriate pastoral support.

• We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.

• Follow good practice guidelines with regards to safeguarding, seeking advice from the Islands Safeguarding Children Partnership (ISCP) where needed.

• Have an appointed Safeguarding Lead and provide their contact details to all volunteers.
  

Designated Safeguarding Lead is Sally Herring and she can be contacted via email, safeguarding@lovechurch.gg  if there are any concerns regarding the welfare of a child, young person or vulnerable adult.

NB If you believe a child, young person or vulnerable adult is at immediate risk of harm please phone the police directly on 999 or 112