Safeguarding Policy

KHGM Mercy Seat Parish is fully committed to creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and protective environment for every person who is part of our community — especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Safeguarding is not simply a policy for us; it is an expression of the love of Christ for the most vulnerable.

Our Commitment

We commit to ensuring that every activity of the parish — including Sunday services, children's church, youth meetings, prayer groups, outreach events, home visits, and all online and digital communications — is conducted in a manner that prioritises the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every participant.

Children and Young People

All workers who serve in our Children's Church, youth ministry, and any other programme involving children and young people are carefully screened and vetted before being entrusted with any responsibility involving minors. We maintain appropriate safeguarding procedures to ensure that no child is placed at risk in any context related to our parish activities.

Parents and guardians are always welcome and encouraged to observe our children's programmes. If you have any concern about a child's welfare in connection with our parish, please raise it immediately.

Vulnerable Adults

We take equally seriously our responsibility to protect vulnerable adults — those who, due to age, disability, illness, or personal circumstances, may be at increased risk of harm. All pastoral care and support activities involving vulnerable adults are conducted with appropriate care, transparency, and accountability.

How to Report a Concern

If you have any safeguarding concern — whether about a child, a young person, or a vulnerable adult — please report it immediately to the Parish Pastor or the designated Safeguarding Lead. You may do so in person, by telephone, or by email. All reports will be received promptly and handled with appropriate confidentiality and seriousness.

If you believe a person is in immediate danger, please contact the relevant civil authorities (police or child protection services) without delay.

Confidentiality and Accountability

All safeguarding reports and concerns are handled with appropriate confidentiality. Where a disclosure or concern indicates that a person may be at risk of harm, we will take all necessary and lawful steps to ensure their protection — including reporting to the appropriate civil authorities where required.

Review

This Safeguarding Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains current, effective, and in line with best practice. Copies of the full policy document are available on request from the parish office.