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.
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 about an individual or a situation call for advice – never ignore your concerns! See the step by step guide.
The Panel Safeguarding Officer – Julie Edwards is the designated safeguarding officer for the Union of Welsh Independents and should be contacted and informed of concerns and safeguarding incidents within the church. Contact the Panel officet o report or disclose current or historic abuse or a safeguarding concern. During office hours, contact: 07957510346 / 01745817584
Out of hours call the thirtyone eight helpline: 0303 003 1111
You can also contact the Panel for help or advice about safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults by telephoning 01745817584 or email post@panel.cymru
For more sources of support and advice please visit panel.cymru/en/advice-and-supportor panel.cymru/en/emergency-contact-numbers
Safer Recruitment and DBS Checks (DBS)
The Interdenominational Safeguarding Panel is responsible for processing DBS checks for the Union of Welsh Independents ministers, employees and volunteers. You can contact sian@panel.cymru 01745 817584 for information and advice about the DBS process.
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is just one part of the Safer Recruitment process. See section 2 of The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Handbook for more details.
How to apply for a DBS Check:
Route 1. PAPER DBS APPLICATION FORM: contact the panel office to request paper DBS application form(s). They will be sent to your postal address or to your church safeguarding coordinator or secretary.
Route 2. ONLINE DBS APPLICATION FORM: complete JOTFORM FORM 1 to start the process. This form gives the information to ensure that your role is eligible for a DBS and what level of check you will need. You will then receive a link and password from employmentcheck.org.uk to complete your online DBS application form. Please complete this step promptly. You will receive an email reminder every 5 days until the process is complete.
FACE TO FACE ID CHECKS are a required part of every DBS check including online applications. Many ministers and staff can carry out this role – so ask in your local church first.
You will receive a paper DBS CERTIFICATE directly from the DBS at the end of both routes. Those following the paper route will need to post the certificate to the Panel office.
You should renew your DBS check every 4 years.
For more information please visit: DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) (panel.cymru)
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