Safeguarding Policy

This is our updated Safeguarding Policy, which we ratified at our AGM on Sunday, 1st February 2026

Safeguarding Policy

• As members of this church, we commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection and
  safekeeping of all, especially children, young people and vulnerable adults. We are committed to their spiritual, physical and mental development and well-being.
• It is the responsibility of the members of the church for us to prevent the physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children and young people, and to report any abuse discovered or suspected to either a member of the leadership team or to the Safeguarding email address (Safeguarding@devonportbaptist.co.uk)
• We recognise that our work with children and young people is the responsibility of the
  whole church; we acknowledge God’s goodness and pray for His blessing and protection
  upon our young people and all who work with them.
• We undertake to exercise proper care in the selection and appointment of those working
  with children, young people and vulnerable adults, whether paid or volunteer. A DBS is the minimum requirement for those working with children, young people and vulnerable adults (please contact our DBS officer) and level 1 Safeguarding should be undertaken at the earliest opportunity.
• The church is committed to following the Home Office Code of Practice “Safe from Harm”
  and adopts the guidelines and procedures published by the Baptist Union of Great Britain
  in its publication Model Policy, which the church has adapted.
• Each worker with children, young people or vulnerable adults, must know the recommendations and undertake to observe them. Each shall be given a copy of the church’s agreed procedures and Good Practice guidelines.
• As part of our commitment to children and young people, the church has appointed Mary-Jo Cookson, Katie Shaw and James Putnam to be their Advocates (DPS), they can be contacted on: Safeguarding@devonportbaptist.co.uk

Hard copies of our full safeguarding policy can be found at the church building or you can download here: Safeguarding2025