The Churches Trust are committed to practice which safeguards the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults by protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional harm and neglect.

 

The Churches Trust accepts and recognises their responsibilities under the Children (NI) Order 1995, the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (NI) Order (2003) and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007 about safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and will endeavour to carry those out by the following:

 

• having a Code of Behaviour for staff and volunteers

• providing guidelines for the general safety and management of activities

• sharing information about our Child Protection and Protection of Adults at Risk Policy and procedures and good practice to staff, volunteers, children and young people, parents or guardians and membership

• reporting concerns of suspected or disclosed abuse to the relevant authority and involving parents, children and young people appropriately

• having procedures for effective recruitment and selection of staff and volunteers

• providing effective management of staff and volunteers through induction, support and supervision and training

• designating a senior member of staff to take a lead role in ensuring that the procedures adopted are fully implemented, reviewed, recorded and updated when necessary 

• providing Child Protection Training, Safeguarding Training and vetting of staff and volunteers of The Churches’ Trust.

 

Designated Officer and Deputy Designated Officer for Child Protection within the Churches Trust:

 

Designated Officer

Name: Mary Holmes

Phone:  07395 323 432

Email:  maryholmes@thechurchestrust.org.uk

​

​

Deputy Designated Officer

Name: Wendy McCloskey

Phone:  07918 294 785

Email:  wendymccloskey@thechurchestrust.org.uk

​

Phone: NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000          OR      email:  help@NSPCC.org.uk

If you have any concerns at all about a child’s safety or wellbeing, you can also contact the NSPCC.  It doesn't have to be an emergency or a report about child abuse – you might be looking for guidance and support on issues affecting children. Whatever it is you're worried about, the dedicated child protection specialists at NSPCC will be able to advise and take any necessary action. The NSPCC also have advice about spotting the signs of child abuse.

 

You can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk. The helpline is currently available 10am–8pm Monday to Friday. You can email help@NSPCC.org.uk at any time for free, and you don’t have to say who you are. 

 

If you think a child is in immediate danger, please call the police on 999 straight away.