Safeguarding

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

At Community Church Longton, we are committed to creating a safe, caring, and welcoming environment for everyone—especially children, young people, and adults with care and support needs.

We believe every person is made in the image of God and should be valued, protected, and treated with dignity.

Safeguarding is not just a policy for us—it’s part of our culture.

Our Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to:

  • Providing a safe and caring environment for all
  • Preventing abuse and protecting those at risk
  • Responding appropriately and promptly to concerns
  • Safely recruiting and training all staff and volunteers
  • Working in partnership with statutory and safeguarding agencies

We recognise that abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect, or spiritual abuse, and we take all concerns seriously.

Who to Contact

If you have any safeguarding concerns, please speak to one of the following:

Safeguarding Lead
Andy King
πŸ“ž 07867 541092
πŸ“§ andyjking1957@gmail.com

Safeguarding Trustee
Judy Roebuck
πŸ“ž 07960 918539
πŸ“§ roebuck57@gmail.com

If someone is in immediate danger, please contact the police or emergency services.ο»Ώ

Report a Safeguarding Concern

Our Approach

Safer Recruitment

All staff and volunteers are carefully selected and safely recruited, including:

  • Application and interview process
  • References checked
  • DBS checks where required
  • Clear role descriptions
  • Ongoing supervision and support

Training

All those working with children and adults receive safeguarding training and regular updates to ensure good practice.

Codes of Conduct

We provide clear expectations for all workers to ensure appropriate behaviour, healthy boundaries, and safe relationships.

Working Together

We work closely with local authorities and safeguarding organisations, including:

  • Children’s Social Services
  • Adult Social Care
  • Police
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We follow national safeguarding guidance, including:

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
  • The Care Act (2014)
  • Equality Act (2010)

Responding to Concerns

If a concern or allegation is raised:

  • It will be taken seriously
  • It will be recorded and handled confidentially
  • It will be passed to the appropriate safeguarding lead
  • We will involve statutory services where necessary

Important:
Volunteers and workers do not investigate concerns themselves. We follow proper safeguarding procedures at all times.

Supporting People

We are committed to:

  • Supporting those affected by abuse
  • Offering pastoral care where appropriate
  • Working with professionals to ensure safety and healing

Where someone may pose a risk, we will take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of others while continuing to offer pastoral support within clear boundaries.

Safeguarding is Everyone’s Responsibility

We want everyone who is part of Community Church Longton to feel safe and empowered to speak up.

If something doesn’t feel right—please tell someone.

Full Policy

A full copy of our safeguarding policy is available on request.

πŸ‘‰ Request Full Policy
πŸ‘‰ Report a Safeguarding Concern

Policy Review

This safeguarding policy is reviewed annually by the leadership team and trustees to ensure it remains up to date and effective.