Safeguarding
​Safeguarding statement
Our commitment flows from our faith that all human beings are made in the image of God, and the Christian belief in the dignity and uniqueness of every human life. Each person has a right to expect the highest level of care and protection, love, encouragement and respect that can be given. We accept the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant of Human Rights, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The following statement was agreed and adopted by Council in November 2025, subject to approval by the Trustees.
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The Lay Community of Saint Benedict is committed to the safeguarding and wellbeing of children and adults at risk of harm.
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We recognise that we all have a responsibility to help prevent harm or abuse to children and adults at risk of harm in all their recognised forms.
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We recognise the personal dignity and rights of all people and will ensure all our policies and procedures will reflect this.
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We believe all people should enjoy and have access to every aspect of the life of The Lay Community of Saint Benedict subject to legal obligations such as safety and safeguarding which must be maintained.
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We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of those who will work with children and adults with care and support needs.
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We believe every child and adult should be valued, safe and happy. We want to make sure that all those we have contact with know this, and are empowered to tell us if they are experiencing significant harm.
We are committed to:
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Following statutory denominational and specialist guidelines in relation to safeguarding children and adults at risk of harm and will ensure that, as an organisation, all employees, contractors and volunteers will work within the agreed procedure of our safeguarding policy.
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Implementing the requirements of all relevant legislation including, but not limited to, the Children Act (1989/2004), Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018), the Disability Discrimination Acts (1995 and 2005), Equality Act (2010) and the Care Act (2014).
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Supporting, resourcing and training those who undertake this work.
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Keeping up to date with national and local developments relating to safeguarding.
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Providing annual safeguarding training to all members, volunteers and employees to ensure knowledge of and compliance with our Safeguarding Policy and related policies/guidelines.
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Supporting all in the Lay Community of Saint Benedict affected by abuse.
We recognise that:
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The Police have the responsibility for investigating all allegations of criminal activity.
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Children’s Social Care has the lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about a child.
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Adult Social Care has the lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about an adult with care and support needs.
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Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
We will review this statement and our policy annually.
If you have any concerns for a child or adult, please contact one of the following who have been approved as Safeguarding Officers for this organisation via the following emails:
Our Safeguarding Policy is available to download here:
