Safeguarding statement

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS POLICY STATEMENT 

The following statement was agreed by the leadership October 2026

Sidcup Baptist Church is committed to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk of harm and promoting their well-being.

We recognise that everyone has a responsibility to help prevent harm, abuse and neglect.We recognise the dignity, rights and wellbeing of every child and adult. Our policies and procedures reflect this commitment.

We believe everyone should be able to take part in the life and activities of the organisation in a safe and welcoming environment.

We are committed to recruiting workers and volunteers safely and responsibly.

We believe every child and adult should be:

• valued,

• safe,

• respected,

• supported. 

We want everyone who comes into contact with our organisation to know they can speak up if they are worried about harm, abuse or neglect.

We are committed to:

• following statutory, denominational and specialist safeguarding guidance,

• following the procedures in our safeguarding policy,

• meeting the requirements of all relevant legislation,

• providing training and support for workers and volunteers,

• keeping up to date with national and local safeguarding developments,

• making sure workers and volunteers understand their safeguarding responsibilities,

• supporting people affected by abuse.

We will seek to abide by the following legislation:

• The Children Act 1989, 2004

• Children and Social Work Act 2017

• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026

• Keeping children Safe in Education 2026

• The Care Act 2014

• Mental Capacity Act 2005

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

We recognise:

• Children's Social Care (England), Children's Services (Wales), Local Council Child Protection Teams (Scotland) and Children's Gateway Services (Northern Ireland) have responsibility for investigating concerns about children.

• Adult Social Care (England), Adult Services (Wales), Adult Support and Protection Teams (Scotland) and Adult Gateway Teams (Northern Ireland) have responsibility for investigating concerns about adults at risk of harm.

• The police, Police Scotland or the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) should be contacted if a concern may involve a criminal offence.

• Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

Review

We will review this safeguarding statement and our safeguarding policy every year

Safeguarding contacts:

If you are worried about a child or an adult contact one the Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Safeguarding Lead via: protection@sidcupbaptistchurch.org.uk.

A copy of the safeguarding policy is available in the church office at Sidcup Baptist Church to view on request.