Introduction and Organisational Commitment to

Safeguarding

Thank you for taking the time to read this Safeguarding Policy. The policy is intended to shape the way that we think and act in relation to supporting those most vulnerable around us. Whether you are a children’s worker, pastoral carer for vulnerable adults, a church leader, departmental head or simply attending, at The Healing Bus we want you to be aware of this policy.

The Healing Bus Team acknowledges that safeguarding the vulnerable in our outreaches, activities and within the communities, in which we work, is of paramount importance and reflects the nature of Jesus Christ.

It is therefore our intention to ensure that safeguarding is fully supported and maintained through the development of policies and procedures that are accessible and understood by all those that have a legitimate interest in the welfare of our children, young people and vulnerable adults. Our formal activities will be operated in line with this policy and support at a regional and national level will always be available to ensure effective, sensitive and robust implementation.

We believe that safeguarding is everyone’s business and that it’s underpinned by scripture as a command to, “love one another as I have loved you”. None of us are therefore exempt from understanding this as a way of expressing our faith and values.

This policy and it’s supporting guidance represent the Team’s commitment to safeguarding. Within it you will find our adopted method of practice when working with and supporting children and vulnerable adults, whether formally or informally through the life of the ministerial training to outreach and mission. We commit to making it available to whoever requests it and to making our commitment to it publicly visible wherever possible. We also endorse the Safeguarding Statement for use in your individual churches and within your various activities.

Nick & Marina Price

On behalf of The Healing Bus Team

‘Safeguarding is the process of protecting adults and vulnerable adults from abuse or neglect preventing impairment of their health and development, and ensuring they are living and growing in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care that enables them to have optimum life chances towards and throughout adulthood’