SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Our Commitment

The Baptist Free Church Marston Green is committed to the safeguarding and care of all children, young people, and adults at risk who are part of our church community or who engage with our activities. We believe that:

• Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect

• The welfare of children and adults at risk is paramount

• Abuse of any kind is always unacceptable

We aim to create a safe, caring environment where all feel valued, and where concerns are taken seriously, responded to promptly, and reported appropriately.

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Scope of this Policy

This policy applies to all church activities, including worship services, groups for children, youth and adults, community events, and the use of our premises by external groups. It covers:

• Children and young people under 18

• Adults at risk due to age, disability, mental health, illness, or life circumstances

• Any concern or allegation of harm, abuse, neglect or inappropriate behaviour

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Safeguarding Statement

As members of this church, we commit to:

• The prevention of abuse through appropriate awareness and action

• The protection and nurturing of children and adults at risk

• The fair and transparent handling of concerns

• The care of individuals involved in any safeguarding concern whether child, adult, family member or church worker

 

What We Will Do if There is a Concern

We will take all concerns seriously. If a child, young person or adult at risk discloses abuse, or if we witness or suspect something concerning, we will:

a) Recognise

Identify signs of harm, abuse or neglect. These might be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, discriminatory or related to neglect or exploitation.

b) Respond

Listen carefully, remain calm, and offer reassurance. We will not ask leading questions, promise confidentiality or dismiss what is said.

c) Record

Write down what was said or observed, using the individual’s own words wherever possible. The record will be factual, dated, signed and stored securely.

d) Report

Pass the concern without delay to the Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS). If the DPS is not available or is implicated, we will contact the Deputy DPS or Safeguarding Trustee.

​If someone is in immediate danger, we will contact the police or emergency services directly.

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Designated Safeguarding Contacts

Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS):
Name: Carol Jackson

Phone: 07720 431601
Deputy Designated Person for Safeguarding (DDPS):

Name: Kryss Maxwell
Phone: 07888 728312
These individuals form our Safeguarding Team. They are responsible for responding to concerns, maintaining records and liaising with statutory services where appropriate.

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Useful Contacts

• Solihull MASH (Children’s Services) - Tel: 0121 788 4333 | Out of Hours: 0121 605 6060 | mash@solihull.gov.uk

• Solihull Adult Social Care - Tel: 0121 704 8007 | Out of Hours: 0121 605 6060 | ccadults@solihull.gov.uk

• Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) - Tel: 0121 788 4310 | lado@solihull.gov.uk

• Police (Emergency): 999 | Police (Non-emergency): 101

• Thirtyone:eight Safeguarding Helpline: 0303 003 1111

• NSPCC (for adults concerned about a child): 0808 800 5000

• Childline (for children and young people): 0800 1111

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Policy Implementation and Review

• This policy will be displayed publicly and made available to all church workers and volunteers

• It will be reviewed annually and updated where necessary

• All workers will be made aware of how to report safeguarding concerns

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Policy adopted: 26/08/2025