Safeguarding at New Park Road Baptist Church
Church should be a place where people are welcomed, listened to and treated with dignity. Safeguarding is one of the ways we turn that belief into everyday care.
Whether you are a child, young person, parent, visitor, volunteer or member, your wellbeing matters. If something worries you, you can speak up. You do not need to have all the facts or the right words.
You will be heard
We will listen carefully and take what you tell us seriously.
You will be treated with care
We will respond without blame, shame or pressure.
We will act responsibly
We will follow clear procedures and involve the right people.
A welcome people can trust
We want New Park Road Baptist Church to be a community where people of every age can belong, grow and receive good care. A warm welcome only means something when it is supported by safe practice, honest accountability and people who are prepared to act.
We are committed to the wellbeing, protection and dignity of children, young people and adults at risk. Abuse, bullying, harassment, coercion and misuse of spiritual authority have no place in church life.
Safeguarding belongs in every part of our shared life, not only in children's and youth activities. It shapes how we lead, listen, recruit, train, respond and care for one another.
What safe practice looks like
These commitments guide our leaders, volunteers, activities and decisions across the life of NPR.
Safer spaces
We work to create environments that are as safe, welcoming and accessible as possible for everyone.
Appropriate responses
We respond promptly and follow our procedures when a concern, disclosure or allegation is raised.
Safer recruitment
People serving with children, young people and adults at risk are selected carefully and complete the checks required for their role.
Training and support
Leaders and volunteers receive training, guidance and clear expectations so they can serve wisely.
Respect and accountability
We encourage honest questions, healthy boundaries and responsibility at every level of church life.
Taking harm seriously
Bullying, abuse and harmful behaviour are never dismissed, spiritualised or treated as something people should simply endure.
You can tell someone
You do not need proof, and you do not need to decide whether something counts as safeguarding before speaking. Tell us what happened, what you noticed or what is worrying you.
For children and young people
You can tell our Designated Safeguarding Person, another adult you trust at church, a parent or carer, a teacher, or another safe adult. Keep telling until someone listens and helps.
You can begin with: "I need to tell you something important."You will not be in trouble for speaking up or asking for help.
For adults, parents and visitors
Please speak up if something happened to you, you saw or heard something worrying, or someone's behaviour made you or another person feel unsafe.
If your concern involves a church leader or a member of the safeguarding team, you can contact Lambeth's safeguarding services directly using the links further down this page.
Is someone in immediate danger? Do not wait for a church response. Contact the emergency services now.
Call 999When you share a concern
We want the process to feel clear and respectful. Where we can, we will explain what is happening and what the next step will be.
We listen
You will be given space to explain what happened in your own words. We will not ask you to investigate or confront anyone.
We record and assess
We make a careful record, consider immediate safety and follow NPR's safeguarding procedures.
We involve the right people
When needed, we seek advice or make a referral to the appropriate safeguarding or statutory service.
A note about privacy: safeguarding concerns cannot always be kept confidential. We handle information carefully and share it only with people who need it to help keep someone safe or meet our legal responsibilities.
Visible, active and reviewed
NPR has a safeguarding team and clear procedures to help us care well for people and respond wisely when concerns arise. Safeguarding is reviewed regularly and remains part of our everyday church life.
- Named safeguarding leadership
- Clear reporting procedures
- DBS checks where required
- Training for leaders and volunteers
- Codes of behaviour
- Regular policy review
Our safeguarding contact
You can contact our Designated Safeguarding Person if you need to share a concern, ask a question or request a copy of our safeguarding policy.
Designated Safeguarding Person
Our Designated Safeguarding Person advises the church on safeguarding matters and takes appropriate action when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected.
If your concern is about the Designated Safeguarding Person, another member of the safeguarding team or a church leader, or you would prefer to speak to someone outside NPR, you can contact Lambeth's safeguarding services directly below.
You can ask for help elsewhere too
You never have to report a concern through the church first. These independent and statutory services can offer advice, receive safeguarding reports or help you find support.
Restored
Christian support and practical resources for women affected by domestic abuse, including help to recognise abuse, plan for safety and connect with survivor support.
Lambeth Children's Services
If you are worried about a child or young person in Lambeth, you can report your concern directly. You do not need to be certain that abuse has happened before asking for help.
Lambeth Adult Social Care
Contact Lambeth if you think an adult is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect. You can also use the service if you are the person being harmed.
Support in Lambeth
Lambeth NHS Talking Therapies supports adults with anxiety, low mood, traumatic memories and other mental health difficulties. If life feels difficult and you need someone to listen, Samaritans is available day or night.
Immediate danger or a life-threatening emergency Call 999. Do not wait for an email reply or the next church gathering.
Call 999Speaking up is one way we care for one another
You are not making trouble by raising a concern. You are helping us protect people, respond with integrity and build a community where everyone can belong with dignity.