Safeguarding
Promoting safeguarding is a vital and important part of church life
The main areas of Mersey Synod’s safeguarding focus are:
Ensuring that churches have the latest policies and procedures in place
Embedding safer recruitment practice
Responding appropriately to allegations and concerns
Delivery of quality and relevant training.
Policies and Procedures
Good Practice 6 constitutes the URC’s only policy and guidance document for safeguarding throughout the denomination. For guidance on how to apply this policy and apply this within your local church’s context see:
Church safeguarding policy which offers an example safeguarding policy for local churches
Safer Recruitment
Safer recruitment is a framework which uses a range of measures designed to both deter and prevent unsuitable individuals from working (either paid or unpaid) with children and/or adults at risk. A DBS check is only one part of a safer recruitment process that helps to prevent unsuitable or dangerous individuals gaining access to children, young people and adults at risk. For further information see Section 2.4 of Good Practice 6
Download the Eligibility for DBS checks document – outlining which level of check is required for different church roles
Mersey Synod Safeguarding Officer
Julie Rafferty is the URC Mersey's Safeguarding Officer, here to help our churches navigate the complexities of safeguarding requirements. A former police detective, Julie offers basic and intermediate training, along with advice, support and other resources. If you have any safeguarding concerns or queries, please get in touch.
07376053044
safeguarding@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
For general safeguarding queries, relating to safeguarding training, DBS and the annual church safeguarding returns, please contact Pauline Burke on:
safeguardingadmin@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
Training
The URC is committed to providing a standardised training programme to ensure that all individuals working with children, young people and adults at risk understand the processes and policies of the URC. The latest details are available here
Details are posted on our events page or you can get in touch with the Mersey Synod Safeguarding Officer, Julie Rafferty
Download The URC training framework – outlining mandatory training for different church roles
Responding appropriately to allegations and concerns
