What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding is the term that describes the function of protecting adults and children from abuse or neglect and includes measures to prevent vulnerable people from coming to harm in the first place.
Safeguarding is an essential part of any responsible organisation’s governance and practice. As churches, seeking to reflect the character and commands of Jesus, we want to do this to the best of our ability and operate in an exemplary manner within our communities.
Policy Statement
It is the policy of the Union of Welsh Independents to safeguard the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults by protecting them from neglect, physical, sexual and emotional harm. As churches, we are fully committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of our members and those entrusted to our care. Members of the church, paid staff and volunteers will at all times conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the Christian church. They will show respect for and understanding of human rights, promoting an ethos of listening and ensuring the safety of all especially children and vulnerable adults.
The church will care for children and young people, and vulnerable adults and safeguard them by following good practices in relation to the following:
- Responding appropriately to concerns and allegations
- Safer recruitment of workers and volunteers
- Promoting good working practices
- Training and supporting our workers in their role and in the protection of children and vulnerable people
Follow this link to download a safegurading policy statement for your church.
The Union of Welsh Independentsworks closely with the Interdenominational Safeguarding Panel on all safeguarding matters. The panel safeguarding officer is our lead safeguarding officer and should be contacted directly with safeguarding matters and concerns.
Our Policy and Safeguarding Procedures
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Handbook forms the safeguarding policy and procedures for the the Union of Welsh Independents. It includes good practice guidelines on working with children and vulnerable adults and outlines what to do if you have a concern about an individual or situation.
To view or download a copy of the complete Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Handbook 2022 ( including updated sections 1 and 2 and new appendices) please click the picture or this link or go directly to the individual sections using the links below
Section 1 :including Our statement of Intent and the Individual church policy statement
Section 2 :Safer recruitment and selection procedures (including DBS check information and flowcharts)
Section 3 :Working with Children and Young People and how to respond to concerns
Section 4: Working with Vulnerable Adults and how to respond to concerns
Section 5 Pastoral Care
Section 6 : Appendices: including new appendices 1, 2a, 7, 8, 9, 10
Section 7 : There are forms that will help you to put the policies into practice and a new GDPR info sheet
Disclosure and barring service Checks
The Interdenominational Safeguarding Panel is responsible for processing DBS checks for the Union of Welsh Independents’ ministers, employees, and volunteers. These are processed through the office in Denbigh by the Panel Administrative Officer Sian Jones. Please contact Sian for more information and to order DBS forms.
Email: sian@panel.cymru
Tel: 01745 817584.
It is our policy to renew DBS checks every 4 years.
Currently we are only able to process paper forms.
Go to the Panel website for more information about the DBS process and a summary of eligibility.
The Inrterdenominational Safeguarding Panel
The Interdenominational Safeguarding Panel was established in 2001 by the and became a not for profit company limited by guarantee in 2009. The Panel supports churches from the Union of Welsh Independents in all aspects of safeguarding practice in their work with children, young people and vulnerable adults. This includes policy work, training, advice and support, case work and DBS checks.
The Panel is a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) registered body and is responsible for processing the DBS checks for the the Union of Welsh Independents. These are processed through the office in Denbigh.
Contact us for more information or to order forms.
Contact the Panel office or visit the website for more information on all aspects of safeguarding within the church and to arrange training sessions.
Interdenominational Safeguarding Panel
Unit 1 Vale Parc, Colomendy Industrial Estate
Denbigh LL16 5TA
Tel: 01745 817584
How to respond if you have concerns about a person or situation
If you are concerned that someone has been abused or if allegations are made contact Julie Edwards, Panel Safeguarding Officer
01745 817584 / 07957510346 julie@panel.cymru
In an emergency contact the police, ambulance or social services immediately.
There is more information and sources of support on the Panel website or in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Handbook
NEVER DISREGARD ANY CONCERNS – and if you are not sure always ask for advice