High Kirk Church – How do we respond to safeguarding concerns in relation to children?

PCI provide a Child Safeguarding Policy NI available to view at
https://presbyterianireland.org/safeguarding .

Here at High Kirk we adopt this policy, however, outline our commitment to safeguarding children as follows.

At High Kirk we believe that everyone has a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and to keep them safe. It is the policy of High Kirk to safeguard all children and young people interacting with its ministry in any form. This includes actively protecting children from all forms of  harm or abuse. The welfare of any child is paramount no matter how brief their engagement with our ministry.

All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity have the right to equal protection from all forms of harm or abuse. However, we recognise that some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, communication needs, disabilities, adverse environments or other issues.

Steps we have taken at High Kirk to ensure children are safe from harm and abuse:

• High Kirk has a Designated Person for Safeguarding. The Designated Person has Safeguarding experience and can provide advice and support to staff, volunteers and congregation members about concerns. The Designated Person is supported by PCI Safeguarding Team and can also make referrals to relevant authorities if deemed appropriate.
• High Kirk also has a Safeguarding Team; this currently consists of the Designated Person, Clerk of Session and 2 Elders. This ensures that all safeguarding decisions are robustly made and in the absence of the Designated person others are available for advice and support.
• Procedures are in place through the use of recruitment forms, reference checks and access NI to ensure appropriate recruitment, checking and monitoring of staff and volunteers.
• Safeguarding Training is required to be undertaken by anyone engaging with children and young people at least once every 3 years to ensure staff and volunteers know how to recognise, respond to and report abuse as well as understanding their role in the prevention of abuse.
• Processes are in place to ensure that any identified risk to children and young people are assessed and managed.
• Following a considered risk assessment and Kirk Session approval if any person of risk is suitable to be engaged in our ministries (for example those with a history of serious offending behaviour) this is safely managed, monitored and supported. Advice, support and risk management is led and supported by PCI Safeguarding.
• Should any non-recent abuse disclosures be made we are committed to supporting these disclosures in a timely, effective and sensitive way.
• We are always open to hearing from children and young people and provide opportunities for their voices, opinions and concerns to be listened to and responded to.
• We have safe and confidential methods for managing information when it is reported to us. This includes a dedicated email address for reporting concerns; safeguarding@highkirk.org.uk and a safe online storage only accessed by the Designated Person and the Safeguarding Team for the retention of safeguarding information. Retention of Data will be managed under GDPR.

How do I report a safeguarding concern?

• All concerns relating to abuse or suspected harm should be reported to the Designated Person ASAP or if unavailable a member of the High Kirk Safeguarding Team.
• If you are worried or unsure about whether you should report something, talk to the Designated Person who will be able to provide advice and support.
• Reports of concern should be made using a Report of Concern Form. Please contact the organization Leader in Charge or any from the Safeguarding Team, who will be able to assist you in filling out the form. Your concern will then be reported to the Designated Person.

How will my report of concern be responded to?

• All reports will be responded to sensitively and confidentially.
• If immediate action is required due to the nature of the concern the Designated Person may make a referral to Social Services or the PSNI.
• If appropriate the Designated Person or member of the Safeguarding Team will discuss the concern with the child’s parent/guardian/person with parental responsibility.
• Further advice may be sought from PCI Safeguarding team however if this is required then this will be done confidentially but in the best interests of the child.