CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
The Safeguarding policy is pages 2 – 14 of this document.
Appendix 1 – Code of Conduct is pages 15 – 16.
The other forms and appendices are for the use of the Church only.
SECTION DOCUMENT
Section 1
Details of the Organisation
Appendix 1 - Code of Conduct Page
Section 2
Prevention
Appendix 2 - Complaints Policy
Appendix 3 - Whistleblowing Guidance for employers and Code of Practise. (Separate document to Policy)
Appendix 4 - Statutory Definitions of Abuse (Children)
Appendix 5 - Signs of possible abuse (Children and Young People)
Appendix 6 - Statutory Definitions of Abuse (Adults) .
Appendix 7 - Signs of possible abuse (Adults)
Section 3
Practise Guidelines
Standard 5 – Working Safely Guidance (Separate document to Policy)
Appendix 8 – Praying with Children and Young People
Appendix 9 – Guidance on touch
Standard 8 – Pastoral Care Guidance (Separate document to Policy)
Section 4
Responding to allegations of abuse
Appendix 10 – Reporting a concern form
Flowchart-for-action-children.pdf (Separate document to Policy)
Flowchart-for-action-adults.pdf (Separate document to Policy)
Section 5
Pastoral Care
Appendix 11 - Sex Offenders and Church Attendance
Appendix 12 - Contracts and Agreements
Appendix 13 – Someone I care about may be a sex offender
WIMBLEDON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
Section 1
Details of the organisation
Name of Church: Wimbledon Congregational Church
Address:15 Dundonald Road
Wimbledon
London
SW19 3QH
Contact Cathy Field—07526 567563)
General Email address: cathyfield230@hotmail.com
Minister Name: (the church does not have a minister) please contact Church Secretary Cathy Field
Minister Contact Telephone / Email: (the church does not have a minister) please contact church secretary Cathy Field—07526 567563 email-cathyfield230@hotmail.com
Protection Verifier Name: Cathy Field
Protection Verifier Contact Telephone: 07526 567563
Charity Number if registered:
Insurance Company: Edwards Insurance
The following is a brief description of our organisation and the type of work / activities we undertake with children and adults who have care and support needs:
• Wimbledon Congregational Church is a group of Christians who confess that Jesus is Lord. We are on a journey of faith, learning to grow in fellowship, and at the same time have a positive impact on our local community.
• We aim to preach the Good News of the crucified and risen Christ, and to move forward prayerfully together.
This is a church who meet collectively for worship on a Sunday 3pm
The church’s involvement falls into three categories:
a) the informal fellowship of people of different ages and capabilities in the worshipping community.
b) groups organised specifically for children, young people, or adults.
c) groups organised by other agencies on the church premises.
Groups run by the church are:
Group Name Leader Name/’s
Sunday School
Nayoung Bark
Coffee Morning
Michael Mackintosh
Mary Wibberley
Community Space Cathy Field
Mary Wibberley
Other groups using church premises.
Group Name Leader Name/’s
Building Blocks After School Club (term time)
Caroline
Building Blocks Holiday Club (school holidays) Caroline
The Church advises holders of the positions above that all work on its premises must meet the standards set down in this Safeguarding policy. They are advised to have sufficient insurance cover appropriate for the activity carried out on church premises. Leaders must sign an agreement that they will follow safeguarding and other relevant processes. See Appendix 1.
Our Commitment
The Members recognise the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children, young people and adults. We acknowledge that children, young people and adults can be the victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and neglect. 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 also 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.” As a Governing body we have therefore adopted the procedures set out in this safeguarding policy in accordance with statutory guidance. We are committed to build constructive links with statutory and voluntary agencies involved in safeguarding.
The policy and any attached practice guidelines are based on the ten Safe and Secure safeguarding standards published by Thirtyone:eight. Thirtyone:eight are the only independent safeguarding charity offering organisations a complete safeguarding solution.
The Members undertake to:
• Endorse and follow all national and local safeguarding legislation and procedures, in addition to the international conventions outlined above.
• Provide on-going safeguarding training for all its workers and will regularly review the operational guidelines attached.
• Ensure that the premises meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and all other relevant legislation, and that it is welcoming and inclusive.
• Support the Safeguarding Coordinator(s) in their work and in any action, they may need to take in order to protect children and adults with care and support needs.
• The Members of the church agree not to allow the document to be copied by other organisations.
Section 2
Prevention
Understanding abuse and neglect
Defining child abuse or abuse against an adult is a difficult and complex issue. A person may abuse by inflicting harm to vulnerable people but if you are aware or witness or fail to protect someone and do not report it then that will increase the chances of the abuse continuing too. Children and adults in need of protection may be abused within a family, an institution or a community setting. Very often the abuser is known or in a trusted relationship with the child or adult.
In order to safeguard those in our places of worship and organisations we adhere to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and have as our starting point as a definition of abuse, Article 19:
1. States Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.
2. Such protective measures should, as appropriate, include effective procedures for the establishment of social programmes to provide necessary support for the child and for those who have the care of the child, as well as for other forms of prevention and for identification, reporting, referral, investigation, treatment and follow-up of instances of child maltreatment described heretofore, and, as appropriate, for judicial involvement.
Also, for adults the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights with particular reference to Article 5:
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Detailed definitions, and signs and indicators of abuse, as well as how to respond to a disclosure of abuse, are included here in our policy.
Definitions and further definitions and signs and symptoms of children:
• See Appendix 4 - Statutory Definitions of Abuse.
• See Appendix 5 - Signs of possible abuse (Children and Young People)
• See Appendix 6 - Statutory Definitions of Abuse (adults) .
• See Appendix 7- Signs of possible abuse (Adults)
For Scotland: The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 defines an adult at risk as someone over 16 years. It will depend on the exact circumstance whether a person aged 16-18 will be considered a child at risk or an adult at risk. An adult is someone over 18 (unless specific legislation states otherwise).
Safer Recruitment
Members or Protection Verifier will ensure all workers will be appointed, trained, supported and supervised in accordance with government guidance on safe recruitment. This includes ensuring that:
• There is a written job description / person specification for the post.
• Those applying have completed an application form and a self-declaration form.
• Those short listed have been interviewed.
• Safeguarding has been discussed at interview and the panel was satisfied the principles were understood and any training needs were highlighted.
• Written references have been obtained and followed up where appropriate.
• A Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) for England and Wales or Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme for Scotland has been completed where necessary (we will comply with Code of Practice requirements concerning the fair treatment of applicants and the handling of information).
• Qualifications where relevant have been verified.
• A suitable training programme is provided for the successful applicant.
• The applicant will complete a probationary period.
• The applicant has been given a copy of the organisation’s safeguarding policy and knows how to report concerns.
• Where an organisation is using workers from outside of the UK then state in this section how you have undertaken necessary background checks on those applying to work with children/adults with care and support needs e.g., individuals have obtained ‘fit person’ checks from their home country as well as references from there.
Safeguarding Training
The Members are committed to on-going safeguarding training and development opportunities for all workers, developing a culture of awareness of safeguarding issues to help protect everyone. All our workers will receive foundation induction training and undertake recognised safeguarding training delivered by Thirtyone:eight every 5 years.
Members will also ensure that children and adults with care and support needs are provided with information on where to get help and advice in relation to abuse, discrimination, bullying or any other matter where they have a concern.
Supervision of Volunteers – Codes of Conduct
The Members are committed to supporting all workers and volunteers and ensuring they receive support and supervision. All workers/volunteers have been issued with a code of conduct towards children, young people and adults with care and support needs. See Appendix 1.
Section 3
Practice Guidelines
As a church working with children, young people and adults with care and support needs we wish to operate and promote good working practice. This will enable workers to run activities safely, develop good relationships and minimise the risk of false or unfounded accusation.
As well as a general code of conduct for workers we also have specific good practice guidelines for every activity we are involved in and these are attached or in the appendices. The practise guidelines are found in Standard 5. of the Thirtyone:eight Safeguarding manual and includes information on Bullying, first aid, ratios, outings and photography. The activities they cover include Sunday School, coffee morning and community space Consent forms are always completed and attached as appendices XXXX.
Reference to Standard 5 - Working Safely Guidance (Separate Document to Policy)
• See Appendix 8 – Praying with Children and Young People
• See Appendix 9 - Guidance on touch
If these guidelines are still to be developed this should not delay the adoption of the safeguarding policy, instead you should put a note in saying that they are being developed and will be completed by a set date.
Should you wish to consider guidelines for work with adults you could consider including some of the information above and aspects in Standard 8 “Pastoral Care”
See guidance Standard 8 – Pastoral Care Guidance (Separate Document to Policy).
Working in Partnership with Churches
The diversity of organisations and settings means there can be great variation in practice when it comes to safeguarding children, young people and adults. This can be because of cultural tradition, belief and religious practice or understanding, for example, of what constitutes abuse.
We are affiliated to the Congregational Federation and we hold a Safeguarding certificate. This was issued in March 2019 and is valid to March 2027
This check covers:
• Premises e.g., Fire equipment and First Aid
• Practise e.g., risk assessment and security of the building
• Policy
• Safer recruitment
A nominated Safeguarding Checker visits the church and liaising with the protection verifier and National Safeguarding Officer of the CF to ensure agreed standards are maintained and a certificate to display on premise is presented. It is also our expectation that any organisation using our premises, as part of the letting agreement will have their own policy that meets Thirtyone:eight’s safeguarding standards.
We believe good communication is essential in promoting safeguarding, both to those we wish to protect, to everyone involved in working with children and adults and to all those with whom we work in partnership. This safeguarding policy is just one means of promoting safeguarding. The other ways in which we have promoted Safeguarding include: Displaying our Safeguarding Poster in the church building, and it will also be displayed in our newly developed backrooms.
Section 4
Responding to allegations of abuse
Under no circumstances should a volunteer or worker carry out their own investigation into an allegation or suspicion of abuse. Follow procedures as below and refer to flow charts for action if necessary:
See - Flowchart-for-action-children.pdf (Separate document to policy).
See - Flowchart-for-action-adults.pdf (Separate document to policy).
1. Document the concern
Using the example performer in Appendices 10 – Reporting a Concern Form
The worker or volunteer should make a report of the concern in the following way:
2. The person in receipt of allegations or suspicions of abuse should report concerns as soon as possible to:
Name: Safeguarding Lead Cathy Field
Tel: 07526567563
Email:cathyfield230@hotmail.com or
Or Daniel Bark
Tel 07853049494
Email.ogb1980@googlemail.com
The above is nominated by the Leadership to act on their behalf in dealing with the allegation or suspicion of neglect or abuse, including referring the matter on to the statutory authorities.
In the absence of the Safeguarding lead Cathy Field or Daniel Bark or, if the suspicion in any way involves the safeguarding lead Cathy Field or Daniel Bark , then the report should be made to:
Name Christine Denwood:
Tel: 020-8944-7685
Email: christinedenwood247@btinternet.com
If the suspicions implicate any of the above listed, then the report should be made in the first instance to:
Local Social Services London Borough of Merton—0208-545-4226
Or advice from
Thirtyone:eight PO Box 133, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7UQ.
Tel: 0303 003 1111.
• The named safeguarding contact above Cathy Field or Daniel Bark should contact the appropriate agency, or they may first ring the Thirtyone:eight helplines for advice. They should then contact social services in the area the child or adult lives.
Name of local authority or Name of local Health and Care Partnership ( for Scotland): London Borough of Merton
Children’s Social Services
Tel:020-8545-4226
Out of hours Tel:020-8770-5000
Website Address: London Borough of Merton
Merton Civic Centre
London Road
Morden
SM4 5DX
Adult Social Services London Borough of Merton
24 hour number 0345-618-9762
Out of hours Tel:0345-618-9762
Website Address: London Borough of Merton
Merton Civic Centre
London Road
Morden
SM4 5DX
Police Protection Team Tel: 020-7801-1777
Police Scotland Tel: 101
• The named safeguarding person Cathy Field or Daniel Bark may need to inform others depending on the circumstances and/or nature of the concern and whether there was any action to protect i.e., Suspension
I. Chair or trustee responsible for safeguarding who may need to liaise with the insurance company or the charity commission to report a serious incident or for churches in Scotland the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator to report a serious incident.
II. Designated officer or LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) if the allegation concerns a worker or volunteer working with someone under 18. For churches in Scotland report to Disclosure Scotland if the allegation concerns a volunteer working with a child or vulnerable adult.
• Suspicions must not be discussed with anyone other than those nominated above. A written record of the concerns should be made in accordance with these procedures and kept in a secure place.
• Whilst allegations or suspicions of abuse will normally be reported to the Safeguarding lead Cathy Field or Daniel Bark, the absence of the Safeguarding lead should not delay referral to Social Services, the Police or taking advice from Thirtyone:eight.
• The Members will support the Safeguarding lead Cathy Field and Daniel Bark in their role and accept that any information they may have in their possession will be shared in a strictly limited way on a need-to-know basis.
• It is, of course, the right of any individual as a citizen to make a direct referral to the safeguarding agencies or seek advice from Thirtyone:eight, although the Members hope that friends and staff of the church will use this procedure. If, however, the individual with the concern feels that the Safeguarding leads Cathy Field and Daniel Bark
• has not responded appropriately, or where they have a disagreement with the Safeguarding lead Cathy Field or Daniel Bark as to the appropriateness of a referral, they are free to contact an outside agency direct. We hope by making this statement that the Members demonstrate their commitment to effective safeguarding and the protection of all those who are vulnerable.
The role of the Safeguarding lead Cathy Field and Daniel Bark is to collate and clarify the precise details of the allegation or suspicion and pass this information on to statutory agencies who have a legal duty to investigate.
Detailed procedures where there is a concern about a child:
Allegations of physical injury, neglect, or emotional abuse.
If a child has a physical injury, a symptom of neglect or where there are concerns about emotional abuse, the Safeguarding lead Cathy Field or Daniel Bark will:
• Contact Children’s Social Services (or Thirtyone:eight) for advice in cases of deliberate injury, if concerned about a child's safety or if a child is afraid to return home.
• Not tell the parents or carers unless advised to do so, having contacted Children’s Social Services.
• Seek medical help if needed urgently, informing the doctor of any suspicions.
• For lesser concerns, (e.g., poor parenting), encourage parent/carer to seek help, but not if this places the child at risk of significant harm.
• Where the parent/carer is unwilling to seek help, offer to accompany them. In cases of real concern, if they still fail to act, contact Children’s Social Services direct for advice.
• Seek and follow advice given by Thirtyone:eight (who will confirm their advice in writing) if unsure whether or not to refer a case to Children’s Social Services.
Allegations of sexual abuse
In the event of allegations or suspicions of sexual abuse, the Safeguarding lead Cathy Field or Daniel Bark will:
• Contact the Children’s Social Services Department Duty Social Worker for children and families or Police Child Protection Team direct. They will NOT speak to the parent/carer or anyone else.
• Seek and follow the advice given by Thirtyone:eight if for any reason they are unsure whether to contact Children’s Social Services/Police. Thirtyone:eight will confirm its advice in writing for future reference.
Detailed procedures where there is a concern that an adult needs protection:
Suspicions or allegations of abuse or harm including physical, sexual, organisational, financial, discriminatory, neglect, self-neglect, forced marriage, modern slavery, domestic abuse.
If there is concern about any of the above, Safeguarding lead Cathy Field or Daniel Bark will:
• Contact the Adult Social Care Team who have responsibility under the Care Act 2014 to investigate allegations of abuse. Alternatively, Thirtyone:eight can be contacted for advice.
• If the adult is in immediate danger or has sustained a serious injury contact the Emergency Services, informing them of any suspicions.
If there is a concern regarding spiritual abuse, Safeguarding lead Cathy Field or Daniel Bark will:
• Identify support services for the victim i.e., counselling or other pastoral support
• Contact Thirtyone:eight and in discussion with them will consider appropriate action with regards to the scale of the concern.
Allegations of abuse against a person who works with children/young people
If an accusation is made against a worker (whether a volunteer or paid member of staff) whilst following the procedure outlined above, the Safeguarding lead Cathy Field or Daniel Bark, in accordance with Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) and in Scotland Local Health and Social Care Partnership procedures will:
• Liaise with Children’s Social Services regarding the suspension of the worker
• Make a referral to a designated officer formerly called a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) whose function is to handle all allegations against adults who work with children and young people whether in a paid or voluntary capacity.
• For churches in Scotland make a referral to Disclosure Scotland for consideration of the person being placed on the barred list for working with children or adults with additional care and support needs. A referral must be made within 3 months of the organisations disciplinary actions or the organisation will find themselves criminally liable.
• Make a referral to Disclosure and Barring Service for consideration of the person being placed on the barred list for working with children or adults with additional care and support needs. This decision should be informed by the LADO if they are involved.
Allegations of abuse against a person who works with adults with care and support needs.
The Safeguarding lead Cathy Field or Daniel Bark will:
• Liaise with Adult Social Services in regards the suspension of the worker.
• For Churches in Scotland: to discuss concerns and where appropriate with Disclosure Scotland.
• Make a referral to the DBS following the advice of Adult Social Services.
• For Churches in Scotland: Make a referral to the Disclosure Scotland. A referral must be made within 3 months of any disciplinary measures.
The Care Act places the duty upon Adult Services to investigate situations of harm to adults with care and support needs. This may result in a range of options including action against the person or organisation causing the harm, increasing the support for the carers or no further action if the ‘victim’ chooses for no further action and they have the capacity to communicate their decision. However, this is a decision for Adult Services to decide not the church. In Scotland The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 and the Code of Practice April 2014
Section 5
Pastoral Care
Supporting those affected by abuse
The Members are committed to offering pastoral care, working with statutory agencies as appropriate, and support to all those who have been affected by abuse who have contact with or are part of the Name of Church. Wimbledon Congregational Church
Working with offenders and those who may pose a risk
When someone attending Wimbledon Congregational Church is known to have abused children, is under investigation, or is known to be a risk to adults with care and support needs; the Members or designated person Cathy Field or Daniel Bark will supervise the individual concerned and offer pastoral care, but in its safeguarding commitment to the protection of children and adults with care and support needs, set boundaries for that person, who they will be expected to keep. These boundaries will be based on an appropriate risk assessment and through consultation with appropriate parties. Refer to:
Appendix 11 - Sex Offenders and Church Attendance
Appendix 12 - Contracts and Agreements
Appendix 13 – Someone I care about may be a sex offender
Adoption of the policy
This policy was agreed by Wimbledon Congregational Church Church and will be reviewed annually at the Annual General Meeting.
Signed by: Cathy Field Position:Church Secretary and Deacon
Signed by: Position
Date:
A copy of this policy is also lodged with: Members
CF CHURCH SAFEGUARDING POLICY Number: 001
Example Policy, May 2021
The information you supplied is held for that purpose only and will not be shared with any third party. The submission of this form and the information contained indicates your acceptance to retain this information which will be held.
You can withdraw or change your consent at any time by contacting the Church. Please note that all processing of your personal data will cease once you have withdrawn consent, other than where it is required by law, but this will not affect any personal data that has already been processed prior to this point. Data will be stored on a password protected computer or locked filing system and deleted in accordance with guidelines.
APPENDIX 1
CODE OF CONDUCT
Wimbledon Congregational Church behaviour code for working with children, young people and adults at risk of harm.
Purpose
This behaviour code outlines the conduct expected of all workers (staff and volunteers).
The code of conduct aims to help protect adults at risk of harm, children and young people from abuse and inappropriate behaviour from those in positions of trust, and to reduce the risk of unfounded allegations of abuse being made.
The role of workers (staff and volunteers)
When working with children and young people or adults at risk of harm, you are acting in a position of trust for [name of group/organisation]. You will be seen as a role model and must act appropriately.
Good Practice
• Treat everyone with dignity, respect and fairness, and have proper regard for individuals’ interests, rights, safety and welfare
• Work in a responsible, transparent and accountable way
• Be prepared to challenge unacceptable behaviour or to be challenged
• Listen carefully to those you are supporting
• Avoid any behaviour that could be perceived as bullying, emotional abuse, harassment, physical abuse, spiritual abuse or sexual abuse (including inappropriate physical contact such as rough play and inappropriate language or gestures)
• Seek advice from someone with greater experience when necessary
• Work in an open environment – avoid private or unobserved situations
• Follow policies, procedures and guidelines and report all disclosures, concerns, allegations, and suspicions to the safeguarding co-ordinator
• Don’t make inappropriate promises particularly in relation to confidentiality
• Do explain to the individual what you intend to do and don’t delay taking action
Unacceptable Behaviour
• Not reporting concerns or delaying reporting concerns
• Taking unnecessary risks
• Any behaviour that is or may be perceived as threatening or abusive in any way
• Passing on your personal and/or social media contact details and any contact that breaches [name of group/organisation] social media policy
• Developing inappropriate relationships
• Smoking and consuming alcohol or illegal substances
• Favouritism/exclusion – all people should be equally supported and encouraged
Breaching the Code of Conduct
If you have behaved inappropriately, you will be subject to disciplinary procedures (particularly in the case of paid staff where the line manager will consult the safeguarding coordinator as appropriate). Depending on the seriousness of the situation, you may be asked to leave Wimbledon Congregational Church.. We may also make a referral to statutory agencies such as the police and/or the local authority children’s or adult’s social care departments or DBS. If you become aware of a breach of this code, you should escalate your concerns to the safeguarding coordinator or line manager (in the case of a paid staff member).
Declaration
I agree to abide by the expectations outlined in this document and confirm that I have read the relevant policies that assist my work with vulnerable groups.
Name:
Signature:
Date:
CF CHURCH SAFEGUARDING POLICY Number: 001
Example Policy, May 2021
The information you supplied is held for that purpose only and will not be shared with any third party. The submission of this form and the information contained indicates your acceptance to retain this information which will be held.
You can withdraw or change your consent at any time by contacting the Church. Please note that all processing of your personal data will cease once you have withdrawn consent, other than where it is required by law, but this will not affect any personal data that has already been processed prior to this point. Data will be stored on a password protected computer or locked filing system and deleted in accordance with guidelines.