Town Church Bicester (TCB) acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. It is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice. 

The purpose of this policy statement is:

  • to protect children and young people who come under the care of Town Church Bicester from harm

  • to provide Elders, staff and volunteers, as well as children, young people and their families, with the overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding

This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of TCB including the Elders, paid staff and volunteers. This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children and young people in England.

We believe that:

  • children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind

  • we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to act in a way that protects them

 We recognise that:

  • the welfare of children and young people is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take

  • working in partnership with children, young people, their parents/guardians, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting children and young people’s welfare

  • all children and young people, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse

  • some children and young people are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues

  • extra safeguards may be needed to keep children and young people who are additionally vulnerable safe from abuse

  • Children’s Social Services (or equivalent) has responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse about a child or young person

We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

  • valuing, listening to and respecting them

  • appointing a nominated Designated Safeguarding Lead, a Deputy and a Trustee Liaison for safeguarding

  • adopting safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and code of conduct for Elders, staff and volunteers

  • recruiting and selecting Elders, staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made

  • providing effective management for Elders, staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures so that all Elders, staff and volunteers know about and follow our policies, procedures and best practice confidently and competently

  • developing and implementing an effective online safety policy and related procedures

  • recording, storing and using information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance

  • sharing information about safeguarding contacts with members via Town Church Weekly

  • making sure that children, young people and their families know where to go for help if they have a concern

  • using our safeguarding procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents/guardians, families and carers appropriately

  • using our procedures to manage any allegations against Elders, staff and volunteers appropriately

  • ensuring that we have effective complaints and whistleblowing measures in place

  • ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for our children, young people, Elders, staff and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance

  • building a safeguarding culture where Elders, staff, volunteers, children, young people and their families, treat each other with respect and are comfortable about sharing concerns.

  • keeping up to date with binding national and local developments relating to safeguarding 

The Elders are responsible for:

  • ensuring that suitable safeguarding arrangements are in place, including a legally compliant Safeguarding Policy

  • ensuring these arrangements are reviewed annually or in light of any incidents or changes in legislation

  • ensuring the effective governance of safeguarding and promotion of welfare is embedded throughout the organisation

 The Safeguarding Trustee is responsible for:

  • working closely with the Safeguarding Team to review safeguarding procedures

  • providing advice and support to the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy

  • ensuring the Safeguarding Team undertake regular training

  • dealing with allegations in the event the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy are implicated or absent

Safeguarding Team

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Catherine Reaney

  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Helen Nicholson

  • Safeguarding Trustee: Ian Lancaster

The Safeguarding Team undertakes to:

  • keep updated on all relevant safeguarding legislation and procedures; ensuring TCB procedures are updated in light of any changes

  • ensure best practice is adhered to across the organisation; including safer recruitment and training of Elders, staff and volunteers

  • regularly review the safeguarding procedures at TCB

  • promptly inform the Trustee Liaison of any allegations regarding Elders, staff or volunteers

  • provide all necessary information to Trustees, including termly updates and an annual report

We are committed to reviewing our safeguarding policy statement and Procedures and Guidelines annually. 

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Catherine Reaney. She can be contacted at any time on safeguarding@townchurchbicester.org.uk or 07821 447765. 

For more information on our procedures and guidelines please email Catherine.

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