Statement of policyThe West Midlands Synod takes safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk seriously
We are committed to carry out the practice and principles outlined in the URC Safeguarding policy Good Practice 5 (GP5): https://urc.org.uk/images/safeguarding/SafeguardingDocuments/GP5-Safeguarding-Pack-2020-web.pdf Appendices: https://urc.org.uk/good-practice-policy-and-procedures.html In accordance with GP5, the West Midlands Synod -
All concerns or allegations concerning West Midlands Synod activities, staff or volunteers should be addressed to the West Midlands Synod Safeguarding Officer: Name: Donna Gordon Contact phone number: 07458 304275 Email address: safeguarding@urcwestmidlands.org.uk Safeguarding during the covid-19 pandemicChurch life for all of us is going to change significantly over the coming period with the emergence of the global pandemic - covid19. It is till however very important that we still work together to meet the needs of vulnerable people in our communities. The following safeguarding advice based is on national guidance, to go alongside our existing safeguarding policy and principles.
Please help us to ensure good safeguarding practice continues to be observed. Key points:
Helping others
Additionally, it will be good to protect your devices from the latest threats. For information on how to update your devices, please visit: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/securing-your-devices DBS checks The good news about DBS checks if you need them is that the DBS have relaxed their procedures about verifying. You no longer need to see the documents physically and can either see them by video link or be sent scanned copies. Do remember to delete them of course! If you want more information about the DBS approach please use this link https://www.gov.uk/government/news/covid-19-changes-to-dbs-id-checking-guidelines Our overarching body Due Diligence checking (DDC) remains open. Please see this link for their information https://www.ddc.uk.net/company/ddc-response-to-covid-19-outbreak/ Domestic Abuse Reports from China revealed that incidents of domestic abuse tripled in February 2020, compared to the previous year. Of course, COVID-19 cannot cause domestic abuse, just as alcohol, drugs, unemployment etc. do not cause it. Existing research highlights that natural disasters and diseases are factors in increased reports of domestic abuse. Here are a few things that might be useful for people to consider:
We pray you all stay safe and well and look forward to the time when we can support each other safely face to face. Donna Gordon, Synod Safeguarding Officer |
Slides from March 2022 Synod meetingDonna Gordon presented a lot of information about changes to safeguarding policy and procedures at the March 2022 Synod Meeting. The slides used are available here in PDF format. Please contact Donna directly with any questions or safeguarding concerns
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