**Effective Date:** January 2024

## 1. Introduction

Bethany City Church ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all members, attendees, and visitors, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This Safeguarding Policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone within our church community. It provides guidelines and procedures to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect individuals from harm.

## 2. Purpose and Scope

This policy applies to all individuals involved in the activities of Bethany City Church, including clergy, staff, volunteers, and members. It covers all church-related activities, whether conducted on church premises or elsewhere, and applies to all forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglect.

## 3. Our Commitment

Bethany City Church is committed to:
- Promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
- Creating a safe environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and protected.
- Taking all allegations of abuse seriously and responding appropriately.
- Ensuring that all staff and volunteers are adequately trained in safeguarding procedures.
- Working in partnership with statutory agencies, organisations, and families to promote the safety and well-being of those in our care.

## 4. Definitions

### 4.1. Child or Young Person
Anyone under the age of 18.

### 4.2. Vulnerable Adult
A person aged 18 or over who is, or may be, unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to mental health issues, physical or learning disabilities, age, or illness.

### 4.3. Abuse
Abuse is any action that harms another person. It can take many forms, including:
- **Physical Abuse:** Inflicting physical harm.
- **Emotional Abuse:** Causing emotional distress through words or actions.
- **Sexual Abuse:** Any form of sexual activity with a person without their consent.
- **Neglect:** Failing to provide necessary care, leading to harm.
- **Financial Abuse:** The misuse of a person's funds or assets.

## 5. Safeguarding Procedures

### 5.1. Recruitment and Training
- All clergy, staff, and volunteers working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults will undergo appropriate background checks, including criminal records checks where applicable.
- Safeguarding training will be provided to all staff and volunteers to ensure they understand their responsibilities and are equipped to recognise and respond to signs of abuse.

### 5.2. Code of Conduct
- All staff and volunteers are expected to adhere to the church’s code of conduct, which promotes respectful and appropriate behavior.
- Physical contact with children, young people, and vulnerable adults should be appropriate, non-threatening, and within clear boundaries.

### 5.3. Reporting Concerns
- Any concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, young person, or vulnerable adult should be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
- The DSL is responsible for responding to safeguarding concerns and, where necessary, referring cases to statutory authorities, such as the police or social services.

### 5.4. Responding to Allegations
- All allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and dealt with in a prompt, fair, and consistent manner.
- The accused individual will be treated with respect and fairness throughout the investigation process.
- If the allegation is against a member of the church staff or a volunteer, they may be suspended from their duties while the investigation is carried out.

### 5.5. Record Keeping
- Accurate and confidential records of safeguarding concerns and actions taken will be maintained.
- These records will be stored securely and only accessed by authorised individuals.

## 6. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Bethany City Church will appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead and a deputy. Their responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the implementation of the safeguarding policy and procedures.
- Providing advice and support to staff and volunteers on safeguarding matters.
- Ensuring that all concerns or allegations of abuse are appropriately reported and acted upon.
- Liaising with external agencies when necessary.

**Contact Information for DSL and DSD:**  
Bethany City Church Elders
0191 5654000
safeguarding@bethanycitychurch.org

## 7. Working with External Agencies

Bethany City Church is committed to working in partnership with local safeguarding boards, social services, the police, and other relevant organisations to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We will share information appropriately and promptly with these agencies when necessary.

## 8. Safe Environment

We are dedicated to maintaining a safe physical environment by:
- Ensuring that all church facilities comply with health and safety regulations.
- Regularly assessing risks associated with church activities and implementing appropriate safeguards.
- Monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of our safeguarding practices regularly.

## 9. Confidentiality

We respect the confidentiality of all individuals involved in safeguarding concerns. However, in situations where a child, young person, or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm, we may need to share information with statutory agencies, even without the individual’s consent.

## 10. Review of Policy

This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation or guidance. Any amendments will be approved by the church leadership and communicated to all staff, volunteers, and members.

## 11. Contact Us

For any questions, concerns, or further information regarding this Safeguarding Policy, please contact:

**Bethany City Church**  
Bede Tower, Burdon Road, Sunderland, SR1 7EA
Tel: 0191 5654000
info@bethanycitychurch.org

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This Safeguarding Policy reflects Bethany City Church’s commitment to protecting the well-being of everyone in our community. We strive to create an environment where all individuals can grow in faith, knowing they are safe and supported.