The Parish Church Of St. Matthew Redhill Policy For Child Protection

1. To make and revise annually a list of all paid staff and volunteers, who have regular direct contact with children. This list to be held by the Parish Child Protection Representative. To request and store securely a confidential signed declaration of no criminal offences, plus two independent referees.

2. A disclosure will be requested for paid staff and volunteers from the Criminal Records Bureau through the South London Church Fund and Southwark Diocesan Board of Finance.

3. Two adults should always be present at all groups of young people and children for the protection of the children, young people and of their leaders.

4. No person under the age of sixteen will be left in charge of any children of any age.

5. No child or group of children will be left unattended at any time.

6. A register of children attending a Church event will be kept.  The register will include name, address, contact telephone number, date of birth and next of kin.

7. Taking children off the premises.

a. When children and young people are taken off the premises, written permission will be obtained from their parents or guardians. This may be on a termly basis.

b. Parents or guardians will be informed of transport arrangements, including transport in private cars.  Persons transporting children should make sure their insurance covers transportation of children.

c. There will be a list, held by the Vicar, a Church Warden or other responsible person, of all children away from the premises, with their addresses, next of kin and contact telephone number. The group leaders will have the same list.

d. There will be a known contact person in the parish during children’s and young peoples outings who is available at a phone number in case of emergencies.  This is not necessarily the Child Protection Representative.

8. These guidelines will be pointed out to all leaders.

February 2004