Safeguarding Policy

Last reviewed: May 2025 · Next review: May 2026

Who this policy covers

This policy applies to everyone involved with Wellcome Church — trustees, volunteers, and anyone acting on behalf of the church. It covers all church activities, whether on church premises or elsewhere.

For this policy, a child or young person is anyone under 18 years of age.

Our commitment

We commit to:

• Treat every child with respect and dignity
• Take all concerns and allegations seriously
• Follow safer recruitment practices for anyone working with children
• Ensure all volunteers working with children have an up-to-date DBS check
• Provide training and support for those working with children
• Review this policy every year

Our Safeguarding Lead

Our named Safeguarding Lead is responsible for receiving and acting on concerns. If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact:

If the concern involves the Safeguarding Lead, please contact a trustee directly or call the NSPCC helpline (see below).

Recognising abuse

Abuse can take different forms. We take seriously any sign that a child may be experiencing:

• Physical abuse — hitting, shaking, burning or any other physical harm
• Emotional abuse — persistent put-downs, threats, or making a child feel worthless
• Sexual abuse — any sexual contact or behaviour involving a child
• Neglect — failing to provide basic needs such as food, warmth, supervision or medical care

What to do if you have a concern

If you are worried about a child:

• Do not ignore your concern — it is always better to raise it than to stay silent
• Do not investigate yourself or promise confidentiality
• Tell our Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible
• Write down what you saw or heard, using the child's own words where possible

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

External support

You can also contact these organisations directly:

• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (free, 24 hours)
• Thirtyone:eight (Christian safeguarding charity): 0303 003 1111
• Thurrock Children's Services: 01375 652802
• Police: 999 (emergency) or 101 (non-emergency)

Confidentiality

We treat all safeguarding information with care. However, confidentiality is never more important than a child's safety. We will share information with the relevant authorities when we believe a child is at risk.

Allegations against volunteers or trustees

If an allegation is made against a volunteer or trustee, the Safeguarding Lead will follow the guidance of Thirtyone:eight and refer the matter to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) as required.

Policy review

This policy is reviewed every year by the trustees. It follows the guidance of the Charity Commission and Thirtyone:eight.