Safeguarding policy statement
Every person, i.e. child, young person or adult, has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s recreation of us in Jesus Christ. To sustain God’s renewal of us in Jesus Christ, many thousands of children, young people and adults come onto church premises every week to take part in worship and other activities. This happens because thousands of people give their time to work with and to care for them. Among other things, this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.
For the overwhelming majority of children, young people and adults the experience is good. Unfortunately, this is not true for all. Although most abuse happens at home it can, and does, take place in churches. Therefore, we acknowledge that the church has a duty to care for the children, young people and adults with whom it works, and to amend its practice accordingly to minimise the risk of abuse.
Policy and Practices
The Leeds Assembly and all departments within it adopt The Apostles' Continuation Church International polices and practise guidance relating to safeguarding. We will endeavour to safeguard children, young people and adults by:
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Ensuring the Care, Nurture of, and Respectful Pastoral Ministry with All Children, Young People, and Adults
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Carefully Selecting and Training All Those with Any Responsibility within the Church, in Line with Safer Recruitment Principles, including the Use of Criminal Records Disclosures and Registration with the Relevant Vetting and Barring Schemes
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Supporting, Resourcing, Training, and Regularly Reviewing Those Who Undertake Work with Children, Young People, and Adults
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Establishing Safe, Caring Communities, Which Provide an Environment Where There Is a Culture of “Informed Vigilance” as to the Dangers of Abuse
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Recognising That Each of Us Have the Responsibility to Prevent the Physical, Emotional, Sexual, Financial, and Spiritual Abuse of Children, Young People, and Adults, and Report Any Such Abuse That We Discover or Suspect
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Responding without Delay to Every Complaint Made Which Suggests That a Child, Young Person, or Adult May Have Been Harmed, Co-Operating with the Police and Local Authorities in Any Investigation
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Seeking to Work with Anyone Who Has Suffered Abuse, Developing an Appropriate Ministry of Informed Pastoral Care with Them
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Committing Ourselves to Promoting Safe Practice by Those in Positions of Trust
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Challenging Any Abuse of Power, Especially by Anyone in a Position of Trust
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Offering 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 Adult
The Leeds Assembly of this Church agreed and adopted the above Policy at its meeting on 8 January 2017. You can download a full copy of our National Policy and practice below.
Our Safeguarding Team
If you have any concerns about the welfare of a child or adult with a vulnerability, speak to our designated Safeguarding Officers, Dr Nana Osei and Dickson Acheampong. You can contact our Assembly Safeguarding Officers by emailing safeguarding@accileeds.org.
SAFEGUARDING LINKS
If you would prefer to speak with someone outside the church, please use the following contact details.
