Safeguarding at
York Evangelical Church

Our concern to safeguard all who join us at YEC is rooted in our biblical faith.  We believe life is given by God himself.  We respect the dignity of every person, as all are created in the image of God.  In a fallen world, where harm is sadly possible, the church of Christ is called to show his care and love.  And like Christ himself we should show special care for the weak and vulnerable.

If someone is in danger

If anyone is in immediate danger, call the emergency services on 999 straight away.

Reporting safeguarding concerns

If you have any concerns for a child or adult, or if you are aware of or involved in an incident that may be a safeguarding concern, you should inform one of YEC's Safeguarding Coordinators as soon as possible.

Our Safeguarding Coordinators are David Dowling and Jane Martin. You can reach them by emailing safeguarding@yec.org.uk.

Statement on Safeguarding of Children and Adults

  • York Evangelical Church (YEC) is committed to the safeguarding of children (SC) and adults with care and support needs (ACSN) and ensuring their well-being.

  • We recognise that we all have a responsibility to help prevent the physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, financial and discriminatory abuse, or neglect, of children or adults at risk, and to report any such abuse or neglect that we discover or suspect.

  • We recognise the personal dignity and rights of adults and will ensure all our policies and procedures will reflect this.

  • We believe all adults should enjoy and have access to every aspect of the life of YEC.

  • We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of those who will work with children or with adults with care and support needs.

  • We believe every child should be valued, safe and happy.  We want to make sure that children we have contact with know this and are empowered to tell us if they are experiencing significant harm.

YEC is committed to:

  • Ensuring that all workers, whether employees or volunteers, follow our safeguarding policy.

  • Implementing the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005, Equality Act 2010 and all other relevant legislation.

  • Supporting, resourcing and training those who undertake work in the church.

  • Ensuring that we are keeping up to date with national and local developments relating to safeguarding.

  • Responding appropriately to any child or vulnerable adult attending the church who discloses or alleges abuse.

YEC recognise:

  • Children’s Social Services have lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about a child.  Adult Social Care has lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about an adult with care and support needs.

  • Where an allegation suggests that a criminal offence may have been committed then the police should be contacted as a matter of urgency.

  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.