Keeping everyone safe
Everyone who comes to Vale — of any age — should feel safe, valued and cared for. Safeguarding is simply part of how we love people well.
As members of Vale Community Church, we commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection, safekeeping and prayer of all associated with the church — and this includes all children and adults at risk. In pursuit of this, we commit ourselves to the development of sound procedures to ensure that all remain safe within our care.
Our commitment
Vale Community Church is committed to the safeguarding and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk. Everyone who works with children or vulnerable adults is safely recruited — with references, a self-disclosure form and an enhanced DBS check — and is trained in safeguarding, refreshed at least every four years (the Baptist Union’s “Excellence in Safeguarding” training). We work within the safeguarding framework of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and our association, the Central Baptist Association.
Sherri Read
Designated Person for Safeguarding
If you have a concern about a child, young person or adult — however small — please get in touch. You don’t have to be certain to raise it; it’s always right to say something.
If someone is in immediate danger
If a child or adult is in immediate danger, or a crime is being committed, call 999. You can also contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000, or Central Bedfordshire Council’s safeguarding teams. Concerns are always taken seriously and handled with care.
Our policy
Our full Safeguarding Policy sets out how we recruit, train and respond, and is reviewed regularly. A copy is available on request — please contact Sherri or the church office.