Creating a church where people are safe, heard and valued.
Newjoy International Gospel Church is committed to safeguarding children, young people, adults at risk, volunteers, staff and everyone who comes into contact with our ministry.
Our safeguarding commitment
Newjoy seeks to maintain a culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. The trustees retain overall responsibility for safeguarding governance, while day-to-day responsibilities may be delegated to appropriately appointed safeguarding personnel.
Our approach is aligned with current safeguarding expectations for charities in England and Wales, including Charity Commission guidance, relevant statutory safeguarding requirements and current Disclosure and Barring Service guidance. Where appropriate, we also draw on recognised good practice for faith organisations.
1. Prevention and safer recruitment
Roles involving children or adults at risk are assessed for safeguarding risk and eligibility for DBS checks. Recruitment should include proportionate role descriptions, applications or expressions of interest, identity and reference checks, interviews or suitability conversations, appropriate DBS checks where legally eligible, safeguarding induction and ongoing supervision.
2. Children, young people and adults at risk
Ministry activities should be planned with appropriate supervision, risk assessment, safe ratios and boundaries, consent where required, appropriate transport and photography arrangements, and clear procedures for responding to disclosures or concerns. One-to-one situations and digital communications must be managed with particular care.
3. Reporting a concern
Anyone may raise a safeguarding concern. Concerns must be listened to, recorded factually, treated seriously and shared only with those who need the information to protect people and respond properly. The church will refer concerns to statutory agencies such as the police or local authority safeguarding services where required. Safeguarding allegations are not investigated informally by church members in place of statutory processes.
4. Allegations concerning leaders, workers or volunteers
Any allegation or concern about a person in a position of trust must be handled through a defined safeguarding process. Appropriate protective action may be taken while concerns are assessed. Where the legal conditions are met, the church will comply with duties relating to referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
5. Training, supervision and culture
Safeguarding does not end with a DBS certificate. Relevant workers and volunteers should receive role-appropriate safeguarding training, understand codes of conduct and boundaries, and receive ongoing oversight. Safeguarding should be reviewed as ministries, risks and legal requirements change.
6. Online ministry, photographs and personal information
Digital ministry must protect privacy and maintain appropriate boundaries. Personal information and safeguarding records must be handled securely and in accordance with applicable UK data-protection requirements. Images of children and vulnerable people should only be used under the church's approved consent and safeguarding arrangements.
7. Concerns, complaints and whistleblowing
No one should be discouraged from reporting a genuine safeguarding concern. A concern about the Lead Pastor or a safeguarding lead should be capable of being escalated to another designated trustee or appropriate external authority so that no individual controls a concern about themselves.
External guidance and support
Newjoy's detailed internal policy should be reviewed by the trustees at least annually and whenever legislation, statutory guidance, ministry activities or safeguarding risks materially change.