Safeguarding

Our Commitment

Fountain Church of God is committed to creating a safe, welcoming and respectful environment for everyone who attends our church.

We believe every person is made in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity, care and respect. Safeguarding is an essential part of our Christian mission and ministry, and we are committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk in accordance with UK legislation and recognised safeguarding best practice.

Our Safeguarding Approach

We are committed to maintaining a culture where everyone can worship, serve and participate safely. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and we seek to ensure that every person is treated with dignity, respect and care.

Our safeguarding practices are informed by guidance published by Thirtyone:eight, one of the UK's leading independent Christian safeguarding organisations.

• Providing a safe and welcoming environment for children, young people and adults at risk.
• Treating every person with dignity, compassion and respect.
• Listening carefully and responding appropriately to any safeguarding concerns or disclosures.
• Working with statutory authorities where necessary to protect those at risk.
• Reviewing our safeguarding procedures regularly.
• Providing safeguarding guidance and training appropriate to the responsibilities of our leaders and volunteers.
• Expecting all volunteers serving in children's or youth ministries to complete an Enhanced DBS check where their role requires one before serving.

Children and Young People

The safety and wellbeing of children and young people is important to us. We seek to provide a caring Christian environment where children can learn, grow and participate safely.

Adults serving with children are expected to follow our safeguarding procedures, work appropriately with young people and uphold the highest standards of conduct and care.

Adults at Risk

We are committed to supporting adults who may be vulnerable due to age, disability, illness or personal circumstances. Every individual should be treated with kindness, dignity and respect, free from abuse, neglect or discrimination.

Reporting a Concern

If you have a safeguarding concern relating to a child, young person or adult at risk connected with Fountain Church of God, please contact our Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible.

Every concern will be taken seriously, handled sensitively and, where appropriate, referred to the relevant statutory authorities in accordance with safeguarding guidance and legal requirements.

If someone is in immediate danger or requires urgent assistance, please contact the emergency services by calling 999.

Safeguarding Lead

Fountain Church of God has appointed a Safeguarding Lead who is responsible for helping oversee safeguarding matters within the church and acting as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

Policy Review

Fountain Church of God is committed to reviewing its safeguarding arrangements regularly to ensure they remain appropriate, effective and in line with current legislation and recognised safeguarding best practice.