Safeguarding Policy for Children, Young people and Vulnerable Adults in Idle Upper Chapel 2026
This Policy is to be reviewed and approved annually.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure procedures are in place and all adults, working in or on behalf of Idle Upper Chapel, are clear about roles and responsibilities for the protection of children and vulnerable adults. It is supported by the detailed and overarching Safeguarding policy of the Yorkshire Synod and the National URC Safeguarding guidelines, as stated in Good Practice 6.
Everyone working in, or for our church, shares an objective to help keep children, young people and vulnerable adults safe, by contributing to providing a safe environment for all.
Church Commitment – to children and young people under 18 years of age, and vulnerable adults (those deemed to have mental or physical disability, illness or other situations which make them unable to care adequately for themselves)
Idle Upper Chapel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its children and young people, and vulnerable adults. We recognise that some children may be especially vulnerable to abuse. We recognise that children who are abused or neglected may find it difficult to develop a sense of self-worth and to view the world in a positive way. While at church based activities, the child’s behaviour might be challenging or withdrawn. We recognise that some children who have experienced abuse might harm others. We will always take a considered and sensitive approach, so that we can support all our children and young people, following the guidelines as stated in Good Practice 6.
We will ensure that all appropriate measures are applied to everyone who is involved in working with children and vulnerable adults, in church. All adults must be accepted by the children, as safe and trustworthy. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks are made on all adults working with or alongside children, young people and vulnerable adults, in a paid OR voluntary role, before the commencement of the role.
⦁ All adults who will work with children, young people and vulnerable people, will need to undertake safeguarding training.
Safe practice ensures that children ( people under the age of 18 years old) and vulnerable adults are led by
⦁ adults who are responsible for their own actions and behaviour, and should avoid any conduct which would lead any reasonable person to question their motivation and intentions;
⦁ adults who work in an open and transparent way;
⦁ adults who discuss and/or take advice from the named Safeguarding Link Person ( SLP) over any incident which may give rise to any concern. Where the SLP is unavailable, the Synod Safeguarding Adviser should be contacted.
Ensuring Safer Activities
We are committed to providing as safe an environment as possible for activities on and off church premises
Chapter 3 of Good Practice 6
We will:
⦁ Ensure appropriate insurance is in place for buildings and activities
⦁ Consider the implications of data protection and health and safety requirements for specific activities
⦁ Carry out risk assessments for relevant activities and events
⦁ If hiring out the premises, ensure the hirer’s agreement is in place for other organisations using church property
⦁ If in doubt, ask for advice from the Synod Safeguarding officer when there are complex or sensitive issues.
Recognising and responding to concerns Chapter 4 of Good Practice 6
Idle Upper Chapel recognises that all its members and congregation may be vulnerable at times in their lives, and there needs to be particular care for those whose vulnerabilities are increased by certain situations, by disability or by reduction in capacities. We recognise that these increased vulnerabilities may be temporary, or permanent, visible or invisible.
⦁ We will promote an awareness of different kinds of abuse, other vulnerabilities and types of safeguarding concern;
⦁ We will try to promote a “listening culture” and help people to develop listening skills to respond appropriately in situations where sensitive information is disclosed;
⦁ We will inform the Synod Safeguarding Officer as a minimum action of any situation, where any statutory services is/may be required;
⦁ We will share information with statutory services as appropriate, and cooperate with them during any investigations;
⦁ We will report any serious safeguarding incident to the charity commission and notify the Synod Safeguarding Officer.
It is not the responsibility of the church to investigate welfare concerns, or determine the truth of any disclosure or allegation. However, all adults have a duty to recognise concerns and maintain an open mind. All concerns regarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults will be reported and discussed with the designated person(s) responsible for child protection and the protection of vulnerable adults.
Managing Allegations and People who may pose a risk to others Chapter 5 Good Practice 6
Where allegations are made against individuals in the church, we are committed to following all required investigative and regulatory procedures. We will work in collaboration with Synod , wider Church staff, statutory agencies and other relevant organisations. Idle Upper Chapel accepts its responsibility to ensure that everyone is safe in its care; has a right to be heard; and that his/her dignity is maintained. There is an acknowledged responsibility to support, listen to, and work for healing with survivors, offenders and communities who care about them. Idle Upper Chapel takes seriously the issue of promoting an individual’s welfare so that each of us can reach our full potential in God’s grace.
The Safeguarding Link Person(s), working with Yorkshire Synod, commit themselves to respond without delay, to any allegation or cause for concern that a child or vulnerable adult may have been harmed during any church based activity of whatever type. Our Church commits itself to challenge the abuse of power of anyone in a position of trust.
⦁ We will cooperate fully with any investigative or disciplinary procedures.
⦁ We will inform the Synod Safeguarding Officer (SSO) immediately, on becoming aware of anyone in the church who may present a risk to others.
⦁ We will work with the Synod Safeguarding Officer and contribute relevant information for risk assessments.
⦁ We will alert the Synod Safeguarding Officer, or statutory Safeguarding Policy for Children, Young people and Vulnerable Adults in Idle Upper Chapel 2025
This Policy is to be reviewed and approved annually.
We will ensure that all appropriate measures are applied to everyone who is involved in working with children and vulnerable adults, in church. All adults must be accepted by the children , as safe and trustworthy. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service)checks are made on all adults working with or alongside children, young people and vulnerable adults, in a paid OR voluntary role, before the commencement of the role.
⦁ All adults who will work with children, young people and vulnerable people, will need to undertake safeguarding training.
Safe practice ensures that children ( people under the age of 18 years old) and vulnerable adults are led by
⦁ adults who are responsible for their own actions and behaviour, and should avoid any conduct which would lead any reasonable person to question their motivation and intentions;
⦁ adults who work in an open and transparent way;
⦁ adults who discuss and/or take advice from the named Safeguarding Link Person ( SLP) over any incident which may give rise to any concern. Where the SLP is unavailable, the Synod Safeguarding Adviser should be contacted.
The Safeguarding Link Person (SLP) for Idle Upper Chapel is Faith Butler
Idle United Reformed Church 