FABRIC SAFEGUARDING POLICY
Fabric Church is committed to ensuring a safe, caring, and supportive environment for everyone involved with our community. We are dedicated to protecting and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of all staff, volunteers, and those we engage with in our ministry. This policy supplements the Diocese of Manchester Safeguarding Policy and outlines our approach to safeguarding.
Purpose of the Policy
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Protect individuals from exploitation, harm, and abuse during their contact with Fabric Church.
- Promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
- Ensure all staff, volunteers, and associated personnel understand their responsibilities in safeguarding.
Safeguarding means taking action to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, protecting them from harm and exploitation. At Fabric Church, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we are committed to implementing measures that ensure the safety and wellbeing of all.
Scope
This policy applies to:
- All Fabric Church staff and associated personnel, including volunteers, contractors, and congregants.
- Anyone involved in or attending church activities, courses, or events.
All staff and associated personnel are required to adhere to this policy and report any safeguarding concerns using the procedures outlined. This policy applies both during and outside working hours.
Review
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains up-to-date with applicable legislation, guidance, and best practices.
Policy Commitments
Fabric Church, in line with the Church of England’s commitments, aims to:
- Promote a Safer Environment and Culture
- Strive to create and maintain safer environments for all, promoting wellbeing, preventing abuse, and fostering nurturing, caring conditions within the Church.
- Ensure these environments are continually strengthened through training, communication, learning, governance, and quality assurance processes.
- Safely Recruit and Support Those with Responsibilities for Children and Vulnerable Adults
- Select and vet all individuals with responsibilities related to children, young people, and vulnerable adults in accordance with House of Bishops safeguarding policies.
- Provide consistent and accessible safeguarding training to equip staff and volunteers with the skills and confidence to support and protect vulnerable individuals effectively.
- Respond Promptly to Safeguarding Concerns or Allegations
a. Ensure respectful and timely responses to any safeguarding suspicions, concerns, or allegations, following statutory child and adult safeguarding procedures.
b. Record safeguarding work in accordance with House of Bishops practice guidance.
c. Report concerns reaching the threshold for statutory intervention to appropriate authorities through the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser.
d. Cooperate fully with statutory authorities while respecting the rights and wellbeing of all involved.
- Care Pastorally for Victims/Survivors of Abuse and Other Affected Persons
e. Offer care and support to anyone who has been abused, regardless of when or where the abuse occurred.
f. Provide a pastoral response to families, parishes, or congregations while maintaining privacy and respecting justice processes.
- Respond to Those Who May Pose a Present Risk
- Offer pastoral care and support to individuals presenting a known risk within the Church, ensuring risks are assessed and managed through safeguarding agreements in accordance with House of Bishops guidance
Our Commitment
Fabric Church believes that everyone has the right to be protected from exploitation, harm, and abuse. We will not tolerate any form of abuse or exploitation by our staff or associated personnel. To foster a safe and supportive environment, we commit to:
- Promoting a positive safeguarding culture.
- Safely recruiting and training all those in positions of responsibility.
- Responding promptly and effectively to safeguarding concerns.
Reporting Concerns
Fabric Church will provide clear and accessible ways for staff, volunteers, and others to report safeguarding concerns.
Reporting Process:
1. Immediate Danger: If a concern requires an emergency response, contact emergency services immediately.
2. Document the Concern: Provide a detailed written account of the concern or complaint as soon as possible.
3. Notify Appropriate Personnel: Report the matter to your line manager and the Safeguarding Officer. If either is implicated, report to an alternative manager.
4. Maintain Confidentiality: Manage all complaints and concerns with respect for confidentiality and data protection laws. However, do not promise absolute confidentiality to potential victims, as timely reporting may require sharing details with appropriate authorities.
Definitions
A safeguarding concern is a worry or suspicion that a child (anyone under 18) or a vulnerable adult may be at risk of harm or has been harmed. Examples include but are not limited to:
1. Child Abuse or Maltreatment: Any form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, or exploitation that harms a child’s health, development, or dignity. All sexual activity with a child is considered abuse.
2. Child Exploitation: Using children for someone else’s advantage, resulting in harm to their health, education, or social development. This includes manipulation, misuse, victimisation, or oppression.
3. Vulnerable Adults: Adults who may need care due to age, disability, or illness and are unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
4. Forms of Harm: Includes physical, emotional, psychological, or any other violation of rights.
5. Financial Abuse: Mishandling finances or fraud that violates an individual’s financial rights.
Safeguarding Measures
To create a safe environment, Fabric Church will:
- Train and Support: Ensure all personnel understand safeguarding responsibilities.
- Encourage Accountability: Foster a culture where safeguarding is a shared priority.
- Respond Effectively: Address safeguarding concerns promptly and appropriately.
By adhering to this policy, Fabric Church affirms its commitment to safeguarding as a fundamental aspect of its ministry and community life.