We are committed to the safety, protection and wellbeing of all.
Safeguarding Statement
At TVC Church, we take our safeguarding responsibilities very seriously and are committed to making TVC Church a safe space and to dealing openly and transparently with any issues raised.
At TVC Church:
We accept the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant of Human Rights, which states that everyone is entitled to “all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status”.
We concur with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that children should be able to develop their full potential, free from hunger and want, neglect and abuse. They have a right to be protected from “all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s), or any other person who has care of the child.”
The Leadership commits to:
Fulfilling statutory duties in relation to safeguarding.
Endorsing and following all national and local safeguarding legislation and procedures, in addition to the international conventions outlined above.
Promoting a safer environment and culture rooted in an understanding that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and adults with care and support needs within the church.
Providing on-going safeguarding training for all its staff and volunteers and regularly reviewing the operational practices adopted.
Supporting the Safeguarding Lead(s) in their work and in any action they may need to take in order to protect adults, young people and children.
Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
Ensuring that the premises meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and all other relevant legislation, and that they are welcoming and inclusive.
TVC Church engages the professional advice, training, and consultancy services of thirtyone:eight, an independent Christian charity that supports organisations in all areas of safeguarding children and adults at risk of harm.
If you have a concern…
The Safeguarding Lead for TVC Church is Dave Marley, Executive Pastor.
If you wish to speak to someone or report anything that may be a concern, then we encourage you to do so via our dedicated mailbox:
If you are unhappy with the response from the Safeguarding Lead, or if your concern implicates the Safeguarding Lead, please report it to TVC Church Senior Leader, Martin Dunkley.
If you are concerned that someone is at immediate risk of harm, please contact the police and/or social services.
Stockton and Hartlepool Children’s Services telephone number is: 01642 130080.
The out of hours emergency number is: 08702 402994 or 01642 524552
The local Adult Social Services office telephone number (office hours) is: 01642 527764
The out of hours emergency number is: 08702 402994 or 01642 524552
Middlesbrough Children & Adults Services telephone number is: 01642 726004
The out of hours number is: 01642 524552
The Police Child Protection Team telephone number is: 101
In an emergency: 999
Safeguarding Team
As a church, we have many ministries across different sites, so we have Deputy Safeguarding Leads supported by Safeguarding Administrators. Their responsibilities are covered in your safeguarding training. You can also find a list of these roles here, along with how they link to your ministry.
