Safeguarding
Safeguarding people is a core part of the URC’s mission.
We safeguard the integrity of creation, and we all walk the way together to ensure there is a sustained community of care where everyone – particularly the most vulnerable – find a place of love, pastoral care and support.
This page contains details of the URC’s Safeguarding in action. On it you will find all the information you need to understand how seriosuly we take safeguarding and how you can implement safe working practices in your church.
There are also useful downloads, contacts and details of training events.
Safeguarding Good Practice 6
The URC’s Good Practice 6 book contains information to assist you in your day to day safeguarding responsibilities.
Policy Statement
General Assembly adopts the safeguarding policy statement outlined in this report and commends it to church meetings, elders’ meetings and synods for consideration and implementation.
Safeguarding Strategic Plan
Information on the six main objectives in the URC’s five-year strategic plan for safeguarding
Safeguarding: Working with Children and Young People
All individuals working with Children and Young people need to be mindful of safeguarding. This bitesized leaflet provides useful information on resources, safer recruitment and URC training pathways.
Safeguarding newsletter
Read the latest edition of the URC’s quarterly Safeguarding Newsletter
Feel Safe Poster
Download this safeguarding poster for your church, and let people know that there is someone they can turn to.
Safer recruitment
Information and guidance on Disclosure and Barring Checks in England and Wales and Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) in Scotland
Become a Safeguarding Coordinator
Guidance for those who have been asked to become the safeguarding coordinator, or deputy, in their local church
Church Safeguarding Coordinator (CSC7)
This declaration form should be used to indicate that a Safeguarding Coordinator is no longer acting in that capacity and/or to initiate the process to recognise a new Safeguarding Coordinator
Safeguarding organisations
A list of safeguarding organisations providing information, help and support.
Safeguarding contacts
For safeguarding concerns, queries or training information and contact details for Synod Safeguarding Officers
Activities in private dwellings
Safeguarding guidance for churches undertaking organised church activities in private dwellings
Whistleblowing Policy
The URC Whistleblowing Policy aims to give all areas of the Church a basis for supporting whistleblowers and guidance on managing complaints that are raised through this route.
URC responds fully to IICSA report
Read the URC’s detailed response to the IICSA report into Child Protection in Religious Organisations and Settings (September 2021)
Training Dates for the Whole Denomination
Here you can find the 2024 dates for bespoke training that is open to all Synods. Dates for 2025 can be found here. You can book onto them by emailing [email protected]
Safeguarding Symposium
Watch a video and download presentations from the online launch of the URC’s safeguarding strategic plan