This statement was first agreed by the Church Meeting held on …15^th September 2005

It will be read annually at the Church Annual General meeting, when progress on carrying it out will be reported.

As members of this church, we commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection and safekeeping of all, especially children and young people.

It is the responsibility of each one of us to prevent the physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children and young people, and to report any abuse discovered or suspected, according to Church procedures.

We recognise that our work with children and young people is the responsibility of the whole church.

We undertake to exercise proper care in the selection, appointment and monitoring of those working with children and young people, whether paid or volunteer.

The Church is committed to supporting, resourcing and training those who work with children and young people, and to providing supervision.

The Church is committed to following the Home Office Code of Practice “Safe from Harm” and adopts the guidelines and procedures published by BUGB in its publication ‘Safe to Grow (Revised Edition)’, together with the Code of Practice issued by the local Area Child Protection Committee.

Each worker with children and young people will be given a copy of the Church’s agreed Policy, Procedures and Good Practice Guidelines.  Each worker will familiarise themselves with such policies and protocols and adhere to them.

As part of our commitment to children and young people, the Church has appointed :-

• An Advocate, to speak on the children’s behalf  
• An Independent Person, for the children to speak to 
• A Responsible Person, who will handle any reported concerns 

These roles will be regularly explained to children and young people.  The job holders’ names with addresses and phone numbers will be publicly displayed.

Children and young people are part of and belong to our Church today. They have much to give as well as receive, we will listen to them, we will nurture them in worship, learning and in community life and we will respect their wishes and feelings.