Safeguarding Policy

General statement of purpose
The Church carries a duty of care to those attending or using the church. Our priority is to safeguard the welfare of all children and adults at the Anglican Church Haarlem. We strive to make our church a safe space for all our congregation and visitors.

Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from our creation in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re- creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm. 

Safeguarding – a definition
Safeguarding is a term used to describe the need to protect children, young persons and adults who may be vulnerable from all forms of improper actions by others.

Safeguarding children
The welfare of children will be given first priority.
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined for the purpose of this guidance as: protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children’s health or development; ensuring the provision of a safe environment and safeguarding the spiritual welfare of children.
Well-informed, professional standards of care will be demonstrated at all times. All church members dealing with children or vulnerable adults are required to have a current VOGs (see appendix) and there will be no one-to-one situations.

The welfare of children will have priority over the interests of the establishment.

If there are any concerns, please direct these to the Safeguarding Officer, Susan Longhurst, or the Diocesan Representative.

Safeguarding Adults
Vulnerable Adults:  There is an awareness of issues related to vulnerable adults. We respect and safeguard the welfare and pastoral needs of vulnerable people, their carers and those who work with them.

Our Church Community: We are committed to supporting all members of our church community. We are aware of the many different issues that can face our parishioners including mental illness, mistreatment, grief, physical disability and/or mobility issues. We have a number of certified persons at church, including on the PCC, and we aim to offer support for all parishioners’ welfare. Support can come from all members of our church as a caring community. For example, we have a system of support for those needing additional help such as with transport, mobility, home visits and home communion.

If there are any concerns, please direct these to the Safeguarding Officer, Susan Longhurst or the Diocese in Europe.