Safeguarding
Leiston United Church and Saxmundham United Reformed Church are both fully committed to the safeguarding and well-being of all our members, friends and vistors. We expect all groups making use of the building to be similarly committed and to adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.
If you have any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of an adult (18+) or child (Under 18) associated with the church or any related matter please, in the first instance, contact the appropriate safeguarding lead as shown below. Alternatively you may contact the URC Eastern Synod Safeguarding Officer. In the case that somebody is at immediate risk of harm please contact the emergency services.
Leiston & Saxmundham United Church
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs Sue Liddell
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01728 832322
URC Eastern Synod Safeguarding Officer
Candice Hart 01223 609 846
Suffolk County Council Social Care
Customer First (Children) Freephone 0808 800 4005
Customer First (Adults) Freephone 0800 917 1109
Safeguarging Principles
1. Safeguarding is taken seriously by Leiston and Saxmundham United Church. This statement has been agreed by the church leadership (as trustees) and summarises the key principles for safeguarding as outlined in our policy. A copy of the full policy is available on request from the church’s Safeguarding Coordinator or Church Secretary.
2. We define safeguarding as the promotion of the safety and welfare of children and adults who are at risk of, or experiencing, harm, abuse or neglect in all forms. We acknowledge children’s and adults’ right to protection from any form of abuse or neglect regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage/civil partnership status, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity.
3. Therefore, as members and workers of the church, we are committed to:
- the care and nurture of all children and adults;
- the safeguarding and protection of all children and adults at risk;
- the establishment of a loving church environment which is safe and caring for all people and where the dignity of each person is respected;
- an informed vigilance about the dangers of all forms of abuse, harm and neglect within all aspects of work in the Church, and how to respond appropriately;
- working with statutory agencies, voluntary organisations and other churches.
4. This means that we will:
- carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with Safer Recruitment principles, including the use of Disclosure and Barring checks;
- respond without delay to every concern, incident or complaint which suggests that a child or adult has been harmed, or is at risk of harm, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation;
- seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care;
- seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust;
- seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child or adult;
- review our safeguarding policy, practices and procedures annually. Follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice.
The Ministers and Elders January 2025