The safety and wellbeing of every person who comes through our doors, including children and vulnerable adults, is a priority we take seriously.
At AXIS Church, we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment for everyone, particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults. We believe that safeguarding is not just a legal requirement but a reflection of our values as a church community.
We take all safeguarding concerns seriously and are committed to responding promptly, appropriately, and with care.
As a member with Thirtyone:eight, the UK's leading independent Christian safeguarding charity, we have access to a full range of safeguarding guidance, advice and training to support us in our commitment to becoming a safer place for all.
Thirtyone:eight works with thousands of churches and Christian organisations across the UK, providing expert safeguarding support, training, and consultancy. Their membership gives us access to up-to-date policies, procedures, and professional advice to ensure we are meeting the highest standards of safeguarding practice.
You can find out more about Thirtyone:eight at www.thirtyoneeight.org
AXIS Church has a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place (Axis/002, Issue 01, adopted May 2025) which covers:
This policy is based on the ten safeguarding standards published by Thirtyone:eight, adapted to reflect Scottish legislation and the specific context of AXIS Church Scotland.
Our policy is reviewed annually by the Safeguarding Leads and Senior Leadership Team. Next review due: May 2026.
A copy of our full Safeguarding Policy is available on request. Please contact us using the details below.
If you have a safeguarding concern about a child, young person or vulnerable adult, whether within our church community or elsewhere, please contact us immediately. All concerns are treated seriously, sensitively, and in confidence where appropriate.
Designated Safeguarding Leads:
Greg Hardie and Heather Hughes
Email: safeguarding@axischurch.co.uk
You can also speak directly to Greg or Heather on a Sunday morning.
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, please contact the emergency services on 999 in the first instance.
If you need to speak to someone outside of the church, the following organisations can help:
AXIS Church is committed to the safeguarding of all children, young people and adults at risk. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.
Our Designated Safeguarding Leads are Greg Hardie and Heather Hughes. They can be contacted at safeguarding@axischurch.co.uk
This policy is approved by David and Eleanor Seel, Senior Pastors, and the AXIS Church Senior Leadership Team. Document reference: Axis/002 | Issue 01 | Adopted May 2025.