Safeguarding Team Statement

1. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

At Bedford Pentecostal Church (BPC), we believe every person is made in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and care. We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all who engage with our church, especially children, young people, and adults at risk.

Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone in our church community. Our Safeguarding Team works together with church leaders, volunteers, parents, carers, and statutory agencies to ensure that our church is a place where all feel safe, valued, and supported.

2. Purpose of the Safeguarding Team

The purpose of the Safeguarding Team is to:

• Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding practice in all church activities.
  
  
• Protect children, young people, and adults at risk from abuse, neglect, or harm.
  
  
• Support victims/survivors of abuse with compassion and sensitivity.
  
  
• Provide guidance, training, and oversight to church leaders, staff, and volunteers.
  
  
• Respond appropriately and promptly to safeguarding concerns or disclosures.
  
  
• Ensure compliance with UK safeguarding law, Charity Commission guidance, and denominational/faith-based safeguarding standards.
  
  

3. Who We Safeguard

• Children and young people – anyone under the age of 18.
  
  
• Adults at risk – adults who may be vulnerable due to age, disability, illness, mental health, or circumstances that place them at greater risk of harm.
  
  
• The wider church community – we are committed to promoting a safe environment for all, including volunteers, staff, and visitors.
  
  

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Safeguarding Lead (Designated Safeguarding Officer)

• Acts as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
  
  
• Receives and records safeguarding disclosures.
  
  
• Liaises with statutory agencies (e.g., Local Authority Designated Officer, Social Services, Police) when required.
  
  
• Reports safeguarding matters to the Trustees and church leadership.
  
  

Deputy Safeguarding Officer(s)

• Supports the Safeguarding Lead and covers responsibilities when they are unavailable.
  
  
• Assists in responding to safeguarding concerns and maintaining records.
  
  

Trustees/Church Leadership

• Hold ultimate responsibility for safeguarding within the church.
  
  
• Ensure policies and procedures are in place and reviewed annually.
  
  
• Ensure the Safeguarding Team has appropriate resources and training.
  
  

Safeguarding Team Members

• Promote a culture of safety and vigilance throughout the church.
  
  
• Support leaders and volunteers in implementing safeguarding policies.
  
  
• Attend safeguarding training and refreshers.
  
  
• Maintain confidentiality while sharing information appropriately for protection.
  
  

5. Safeguarding Procedures

The Safeguarding Team ensures the following procedures are consistently followed:

• Safe recruitment – all staff and volunteers working with children, youth, or adults at risk will undergo safer recruitment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check.
  
  
• Training – all staff and volunteers receive safeguarding training relevant to their role.
  
  
• Risk assessments – carried out for all church activities, trips, and events.
  
  
• Code of conduct – leaders and volunteers are expected to model integrity, respect, and boundaries in all interactions.
  
  
• Record keeping – all safeguarding concerns are recorded securely and confidentially.
  
  
• Responding to concerns – any disclosure or suspicion of abuse will be taken seriously, documented, and reported promptly to the appropriate authority.
  
  

6. Types of Abuse the Team is Alert To

The Safeguarding Team is trained to identify and respond to all categories of abuse, including but not limited to:

• Physical abuse
  
  
• Emotional abuse
  
  
• Sexual abuse and exploitation
  
  
• Neglect
  
  
• Spiritual abuse
  
  
• Domestic abuse
  
  
• Online abuse and cyber exploitation
  
  
• Discriminatory abuse
  
  
• Financial abuse (especially of vulnerable adults)
  
  
• Self-neglect or risk of self-harm/suicide
  
  

7. Supporting Victims and Survivors

• The church will listen to and support anyone disclosing abuse, without judgement.
  
  
• Victims/survivors will be signposted to professional agencies for further help.
  
  
• Confidentiality will be respected, but safeguarding concerns will always be shared with statutory agencies where necessary to protect individuals.
  
  
• Pastoral care will be offered alongside safeguarding support.
  
  

8. Partnership with Statutory Agencies

Bedford Pentecostal Church recognises its duty to work with statutory safeguarding agencies. We will:

• Refer concerns promptly to the Local Authority or Police as appropriate.
  
  
• Cooperate fully with investigations.
  
  
• Follow advice and guidance from the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) and Local Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB).
  
  

9. Media, Photography, and Online Safety

The Safeguarding Team ensures that:

• Parental/guardian consent is obtained before taking or publishing images of children.
  
  
• Sensitive situations (e.g., counselling, prayer ministry) are never photographed.
  
  
• Online platforms are used responsibly, with safeguarding and privacy in mind.
  
  
• Children and youth activities adhere to online safety guidelines.
  
  

10. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

• Information will be shared only on a “need-to-know” basis.
  
  
• Records are stored securely in compliance with GDPR.
  
  
• Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where safeguarding concerns require referral to statutory authorities.
  
  

11. Training and Accountability

• The Safeguarding Team and all church staff/volunteers will undertake regular safeguarding training.
  
  
• The Safeguarding Team reports annually to the Trustees on safeguarding matters.
  
  
• This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains current with legislation and best practice.
  
  

12. Whistleblowing

• Staff, volunteers, or members who have concerns about safeguarding practices, leadership behaviour, or policy breaches are encouraged to report them without fear of reprisal.
  
  
• Concerns can be raised with the Safeguarding Lead, Trustees, or directly with statutory agencies if necessary.
  
  

13. Contact Information

Trustees – Safeguarding Oversight: Linda
Bedford Pentecostal Church
1 Roise St, Bedford MK40 1JJ
admin@bedfordpentecostalchurch.co.uk
01234 210550

If you believe a child or adult is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.

14. Review and Approval

This Safeguarding Team Statement was approved by the Trustees of Bedford Pentecostal Church in September 2025. It will be reviewed annually, or sooner if legislation or circumstances require.