Safeguarding

Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

Safeguarding means protecting vulnerable people from harm , abuse and neglect. It means recognising the signs and symptoms of abuse and responding ppropriately. It is preventative as well as protective and includes the provision of safe activities and appropriate care.

Safeguarding is an essential part of any responsible organisation’s governance and practice. As churches, seeking to reflect the character and commands of Jesus, we want to do this to the best of our ability and operate in an exemplary manner within our communities.

Policy Statement

It is the policy of the Presbyterian Church of Wales to safeguard the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults by protecting them from neglect, physical, sexual and emotional harm. As churches, we are fully committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of our members and those entrusted to our care. Members of the church, paid staff and volunteers will at all times conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the Christian church. They will show respect for and understanding of human rights, promoting an ethos of listening and ensuring the safety of all especially children and vulnerable adults.

Read the Safeguarding Handbook

The church will care for children and young people, and vulnerable adults and safeguard them by following good practices in relation to the following:

Responding appropriately to concerns and allegations
Safer recruitment of workers and volunteers
Promoting good working practices
Training and supporting our workers in their role and in the protection of children and vulnerable people.

To download a safeguarding policy statement for your church please click the button below.

Download Safeguarding Policy Statement

Safeguarding Training

Safeguarding training is essential for everyone who works directly with children, youth and vulnerable adults and also those who are responsible for the work e.g. trustees and elders. The Interdenominational Safeguarding Panel facilitates safeguarding training for the Presbyterian Church Wales. The training is based on our safeguarding policies and aims to help workers and volunteers understand these guidelines and know what to do if they are concerned about an individual or situation. Visit Training (panel.cymru) for more information. To see all the sessions currently available and to book your free place visit TicketSource or contact the Panel Office if you would like to arrange a session.

The Panel offers three types of safeguarding training:

LEVEL 1 SESSIONS are suitable for volunteers (2 hours)
LEVEL 2 SESSIONS are for ministers, leaders and staff (6 hours)
LOCAL CHURCH SAFEGUARDING COORDINATOR TRAINING for those responsible for safeguarding matters in the local church.

Self Assessment Checklist

Appendix 10: To make our churches a safer place.

Click here to access

The Presbyterian Church of Wales works closely with the Interdenominational Safeguarding Panel on all safeguarding matters. The panel safeguarding officer is our lead safeguarding officer and should be contacted directly with safeguarding matters and concerns.