Safeguarding Policy Statement - Trinity Presbyterian Church, Ahoghill

Trinity Presbyterian Church is committed to providing a safe, nurturing and Christ‑centred environment for all who engage with our ministries. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults, and we adopt the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) Child Safeguarding Policy NI, available at: presbyterianireland.org/safeguarding

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

We believe that every child, young person and vulnerable adult should be protected from harm, treated with dignity, and supported to flourish. The welfare of each individual is paramount, whether their involvement with our church is long‑term or brief.

We affirm that all children have the right to protection from all forms of abuse. We also recognise that some may be particularly vulnerable due to past experiences, communication needs, disabilities, or challenging environments.

How We Safeguard Children and Vulnerable Adults

To ensure the highest standards of care and protection, Trinity Presbyterian Church has put the following measures in place:

• Designated Safeguarding Persons We appoint a Designated Person for Safeguarding Children and a Designated Person for Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults. Both have safeguarding experience and provide advice, support and guidance to staff, volunteers and congregation members. They are supported by the PCI Safeguarding Team and can make referrals to statutory authorities when necessary.
• Safeguarding Team Our Safeguarding Team includes both Designated Persons, the Clerk of Session and two Elders. This ensures robust decision‑making and continuity of support when designated personnel are unavailable.
• Safe Recruitment Practices All staff and volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults undergo appropriate recruitment checks, including AccessNI vetting, references and safeguarding declarations.
• Mandatory Safeguarding Training Anyone involved in ministry with children or young people must complete safeguarding training at least every three years. This equips volunteers and staff to recognise, respond to and report concerns, and to understand their role in preventing abuse.
• Risk Assessment and Management We assess and manage any identified risks to children, young people or vulnerable adults within our ministries.
• Managing Individuals Who May Present a Risk Where someone with a history of serious offending behaviour seeks to engage in church life, participation is only permitted following a thorough risk assessment and Kirk Session approval. Any involvement is carefully monitored and supported in consultation with PCI Safeguarding.
• Responding to Non‑Recent Abuse Disclosures We are committed to responding to disclosures of past abuse sensitively, promptly and appropriately.
• Listening to Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults We actively encourage individuals to share their views, concerns and experiences, and we ensure these are taken seriously and responded to appropriately.
• Confidential Information Management Safeguarding information is stored securely and accessed only by the Designated Persons and Safeguarding Team. We use a dedicated email address for reporting concerns: safeguarding@highkirk.org.uk All data is retained and managed in accordance with GDPR.

How We Respond to Reports of Concern

• All concerns are handled sensitively, respectfully and confidentially.
• If immediate action is required, the Designated Person may contact Social Services or the PSNI.
• Where appropriate, the Designated Person or Safeguarding Team may speak with the child’s parent/guardian or person with parental responsibility.
• Additional guidance may be sought from the PCI Safeguarding Team. Any consultation is carried out confidentially and always in the best interests of the child or vulnerable adult.