Statement of Safeguarding Principles
Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of humans in God's own image and likeness. Christians see this as fulfilled by God's re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.
Principles.
The Crossing Church is committed to :-
- The care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and adults.
- Safeguarding and protecting all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable.
- Establishing safe, caring communities, which provide a loving environment where there is informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse.
We will carefully select and train 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.
We will respond without delay to every safeguarding concern which suggests that a child, young person or adult may have been harmed, working in partnership with the police and local authority in any investigation.
We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.
We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.Working with the District safeguarding Officer, we will support risk assessment of those who present a safeguarding risk within the church environment. We will ensure appropriate pastoral care is offered and measures taken to address identified risks including referral to statutory agencies, suspension and the use of safeguarding contracts. We will recognise and apply the restrictions to appointment laid down in Standing Order 10 of the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church.
In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice.
The named persons with regard to safeguarding within The Crossing are :-
Church Safeguarding Officer:-
Annette Barker, safeguarding@thecrossing.co.uk, 07891 078725
Circuit Safeguarding Officer:-
Sue Osborn, sco1957@aol.com, 01777 701963
District Safeguarding Officer:-
safeguarding@sheffieldmethodist.org, 07483 362735
