1. Our Commitment

At KingsGate Church Helston we believe every child, young person and adult at risk should feel safe, respected and valued. We take safeguarding seriously and are committed to protecting everyone who takes part in our activities. Safeguarding is not just a set of rules but part of our culture.

2. Who This Policy Covers

This policy applies to everyone connected with the church. That includes staff, trustees, volunteers, visiting speakers and contractors. It also covers all activities and events run in the name of KingsGate Church Helston, whether on church premises or elsewhere.

3. Legal Framework

We follow UK law and statutory guidance, including:

• Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
• Care Act 2014
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Charity Commission guidance on safeguarding
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) requirements

We also follow guidance from Thirtyone:eight, an independent safeguarding charity that supports churches.

4. Key Principles

• Prevention: building a culture where abuse is less likely to happen
• Protection: acting quickly and appropriately when concerns are raised
• Partnership: working with statutory services, families and the wider community
• Accountability: making sure safeguarding practice is open, clear and regularly reviewed

5. Safeguarding Roles

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): [Insert Name], main contact for safeguarding concerns
• Deputy DSLs: [Insert Names], who act if the DSL is unavailable
• Trustees: have ultimate responsibility for safeguarding in the church
• Names and contact details of the safeguarding team are displayed clearly in the church and on our website.

6. Safer Recruitment

Everyone who works or volunteers with children, young people or adults at risk is recruited safely. This includes an application process, interviews, references and DBS checks where required. Those in regulated activity are checked against the barred list. All new workers and volunteers receive safeguarding induction and ongoing training.

7. Training and Awareness

• All staff and volunteers receive safeguarding training suitable for their role
• Training is refreshed at least every three years
• Trustees and leaders complete advanced safeguarding training
• Safeguarding awareness is kept alive in team meetings and church communications

8. Safe Practice in Activities

• A minimum of two adults are present for all activities involving children
• Appropriate adult to child ratios are followed
• A Code of Safer Conduct sets out expected behaviour, covering physical contact, communication, transport and social media
• Risk assessments are carried out for all activities and trips

9. Responding to Concerns

• When someone raises a concern or makes a disclosure we will:
• Listen carefully without interrupting and never promise confidentiality
• Write down what has been said using the person’s own words
• Report the concern immediately to the DSL
• Refer the case to statutory services if required
• Support everyone involved with care and sensitivity
• We do not investigate allegations ourselves. We fully cooperate with statutory authorities.

10. Managing Risk in the Church Community

If someone attending church poses a safeguarding risk, the leadership will work with statutory agencies to manage this safely. A risk assessment and safeguarding agreement will be put in place. This will be monitored and reviewed regularly. The safety of others always comes first.

11. Whistleblowing and Complaints

Anyone can raise a safeguarding concern. Concerns can be taken to the DSL, a trustee, or directly to statutory services. We will support whistleblowers and will not allow anyone to face negative consequences for speaking up. Complaints about the way a safeguarding issue has been handled will be dealt with by the trustees.

12. Governance and Review

Trustees hold legal responsibility for safeguarding. They will review this policy every year, or sooner if guidance or legislation changes. We monitor safeguarding through audits, training records and case reviews.

13. Sharing the Policy

This policy will be made publicly available on our website and displayed in the church. Contact details for the safeguarding officers and local statutory services will be visible and accessible. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Contact Information

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): [Insert Name / Phone / Email]
• Deputy DSLs: [Insert Names / Contacts]
• Cornwall Children’s Services: 0300 123 1116
• Adult Social Care (Cornwall): 0300 1234 131
• Police (non-emergency): 101 | Emergency: 999
• Thirtyone:eight (advice line): 0303 003 1111