Safeguarding
Protecting children and vulnerable adults in our church community.
Our Commitment
At Open Door Church we believe every person — child or adult — deserves to be safe, valued, and treated with dignity.
Safeguarding isn’t just a policy; it’s rooted in the heart of God. Scripture is full of calls to protect the vulnerable and we are committed to living this out in our church community.
Child & Adult Safeguarding
Child Safeguarding
- DBS checks for all volunteers and staff working with children
- Minimum of two adults present at all children’s and youth activities.
- Regular training and refreshers for Kid’s and Youth teams
- Clear register and sign-in/sign-out procedure for children’s groups
Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding
- All adults treated with dignity and their right to make their own decisions respected
- Any concern that an adult may be at risk is taken seriously
- A caring, non-judgemental space
- Partnership with statutory and other agencies where appropriate
As part of its mission, Open Door Church is committed to:
- Valuing, listening to and respecting children, young people and adults, as well as promoting their welfare and protection.
- Encouraging and supporting parents/carers.
- Supporting those affected by abuse in the church.
A copy of our safeguarding policy is available on request from the Church Office.
Raising a Concern
If you are worried about the welfare of a child or adult — at church or elsewhere — please speak to one of our safeguarding leads as soon as possible. You do not need to be certain that abuse has occurred. If something doesn’t feel right, please speak up.
You can find our digital cause for concern form HERE
When using the form to report a disclosure, use the person’s own words as much as possible—don’t try to “tidy up” the language or add your own interpretations.
After you’ve written it down, submit the form by clicking submit at the bottom. It will be passed to the Safeguarding Lead (See Below). It is best practice to let the Safeguarding Lead know that you have submitted a cause for concern form to bring it to their attention.
What happens when you raise a concern?
- Your concern will be listened to carefully and taken seriously
- It will be handled with sensitivity and appropriate confidentiality
- Information will only be shared as necessary to protect the person’s welfare
- If statutory agencies need to be involved, we will follow the correct referral process
Our Safeguarding Leads
Reporting Outside the Church
If the concern involves a safeguarding lead, or you would prefer (for any reason), you can report to an external agency instead. You can contact external agencies directly at any time — you do not need to speak to us first
Emergency Services
If someone is in immediate danger
999
MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub)
Child protection concerns in Northamptonshire
0300 126 7000
https://nctrust.co.uk/report-a-concern-or-request-support/
North Northamptonshire Council
Adult safeguarding concerns in the local area
0300 126 3000
https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/arranging-care/report-safeguarding-concern-about-adult
NSPCC Helpline
Free 24/7 helpline for child protection concerns
0808 800 5000
Childline
Support for children and young people
0800 1111
Police (non-emergency)
For non-urgent police matters
101
Thirtyone:eight
Independent Christian safeguarding organisation
0303 003 1111
thirtyoneeight.org/