Safeguarding Policy Statement for York Baptist Church (“YBC”)
Our vision
As a church we believe that there is a Scriptural mandate that we do all that we can to ensure the spiritual, physical and emotional well-being of Children and Adults At Risk entrusted to our care.
In fulfilling this vision, we:
· Welcome children and adults at risk into the life of our community
· Run activities for children and adults at risk
· Make our premises available to organisations working with children and adults at risk
Our safeguarding responsibilities
YBC recognises its responsibilities in safeguarding all children and adults at risk, regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability.
As members of this church, we commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection and safekeeping of all associated with the church and will pray for them regularly. In pursuit of this, we commit ourselves to this policy and to the development of sound procedures to ensure we implement our policy well.
Prevention and reporting of abuse
It is the duty of each church member to help prevent the abuse of children and adults at risk, and the duty of each church member to respond to concerns about the well-being of children and adults at risk. Any abuse disclosed, discovered or suspected will be reported in accordance with our procedures. YBC will fully co-operate with any statutory investigation into any suspected abuse linked with the church.
Safer recruitment, support and supervision of workers
YBC will exercise proper care in the selection and appointment of those working with children and adults at risk, whether paid or voluntary. All workers will be provided with appropriate training, support and supervision to promote the safekeeping of children and adults at risk.
Respecting children and adults at risk
YBC will adopt a code of behaviour for all who are appointed to work with children and adults at risk so that all children and adults are shown the respect that is due to them.
Safer working practices
YBC is committed to providing an environment that is as safe as possible for children and adults at risk and will adopt ways of working with them that promote their safety and well-being.
A safer community
YBC is committed to the prevention of bullying. YBC will seek to ensure that the behaviour of any individuals who may pose a risk to children and adults at risk in the community of the church is managed appropriately.
DEFINITIONS OF TERMS
For the purpose of this guide, the term ‘child’ refers to anyone under the age of 18 years. The term ’young people’ is used to refer to a child between the ages of 11 and 18. There is no standard single definition for an adult at risk, so for our policy we are using the following simple definition taken from Thirtyone:eight: ‘Any adult aged 18 or over who due to disability, mental function, age, illness or traumatic circumstances may not be able to take care or protect themselves against the risk of significant harm, abuse, bullying, harassment, mistreatment or exploitation’
York Baptist Church Privacy Notice
Under Data Protection legislation the Charity Trustees of York Baptist Church are the Data Controller and can be contacted by ringing 01904 640124, writing to York Baptist Church, Priory Street, York YO1 6EX, or emailing office@ybc.org.uk
We last updated this Privacy Notice on 11th May 2018.
We collect information to enable the church to keep in touch with individuals and provide pastoral support as appropriate. Names, postal and email addresses, telephone and mobile numbers are collected for this purpose.
We will ask for consent for these to be stored and used, unless there is an overriding lawful basis (such as legal obligation or vital interests), and have a Consent Form for this purpose.
The Church uses Dalmatian (the DreamHost Announcement List Management Application) to send secure group emails. It uses Mailman to send secure Prayer Chain emails. It uses Google Forms. The church also uses Dropbox, although no addresses, telephone numbers or email addresses are stored here.
Paper data is locked securely in the church building, with only the administrator holding a key. Electronic data is held on the church office computer, which is password protected and accessed only by the Administrator, Minister and Diaconate.
The church has a Prayer Chain – those signing up on a distinct and separate part of the Consent Form both give their consent to their contact details being used to receive the prayer chain, and also agree to keep private and confidential any items shared on the chain.
To enable us to provide adequate pastoral support to you and your family, the Minister, Church Worker or Pastoral Deacon may record information which may be regarded as sensitive. This information is not stored on the church computer or in the church building, but on password protected devices owned by the Minister, Church Worker or Pastoral Deacon. This information will NOT be disclosed to anyone else without your consent.
You have the right to ask to see any information we hold about you (including the pastoral support information) by submitting a ‘Data Subject Access Request’ to the Church Office. You also have the right to ask for information which you believe to be incorrect to be rectified.
If you are concerned about the way your information is being handled please speak to our Administrator. If you are still unhappy you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioners Office.
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