1. The Cherubim and Seraphim Solace of God Church and Safeguarding

 

1.1    Why safeguarding is important  

As a church, our aim is making Jesus known in the community, as we grow to know him better. To this end, the aims of our Safeguarding Policy are to: 

 

•       Uphold the honour of Jesus’ name 

•       Keep the Gospel from dishonour by:  

• Protecting the children, young people, and adults at risk in our care 

• Protecting those in the church who serve in our ministry (referred to generically as ‘church workers’ in this Policy). 

 

As a church, we take safeguarding very seriously and this Safeguarding Policy sets out the framework by which The Cherubim and Seraphim Solace of God Church will manage our responsibilities. 

The Policy includes the church’s Safeguarding Statement at Appendix 1 and Safeguarding Good Practice Guide for church workers at Appendix 2. 

 

The most important message of this Policy is that safeguarding is everyone’s business. Everyone involved in and connected with The Cherubim and Seraphim Solace of God Church has a responsibility to prevent the abuse and neglect of anyone, but particularly of children, young people and adults at risk.  

This Safeguarding Policy is just one means of promoting safeguarding. Good communication is essential in promoting safeguarding – with everyone working with children and adults at risk, and with those with whom we work in partnership. As part of our commitment to protecting all those we serve, we will ensure constructive links with the local statutory agencies involved in safeguarding.  

The legal Trustees of the church are responsible for the church’s safeguarding processes and have a legal duty to take all reasonable steps within their power to ensure abuse and neglect does not happen. The Charity Commission requires the Trustees of the church to review this Policy regularly or when safeguarding legislation changes. 

 

1.2       The Church Safeguarding Team  

To enable The Cherubim and Seraphim Solace of God Church to effectively fulfil our safeguarding obligations, we have a Church Safeguarding Team.

 

Any issues relating to safeguarding, of children or adults, should be referred immediately to a member of the Safeguarding Team either in person, telephone or by e-mail on the dedicated Church safeguarding e-mail.       

 

2. Understanding the Issues 

 

2.1       What do we mean by children and adults at risk?  

Everyone is vulnerable in some way – it’s part of being human in a broken world. However, all children and young people under the age of 18 need protection because of their age. 

 

Some adults also need protection because their circumstances put them particularly at risk, whether temporarily or permanently. This may be due to physical or mental disability, illness, addiction, age or a stressful life event. As a result, they may have difficulty in making or communicating decisions, taking care of themselves, or protecting themselves against harm or exploitation. 

 

Safeguarding legislation applies to any child or young person under the age of 18 and any adult who is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of, abuse or neglect. 

 

2.2       What do we mean by abuse?  

Defining abuse is difficult and complex. A person may abuse someone by inflicting harm, or by failing to prevent harm. It can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or even spiritual.  Anyone can carry out abuse or neglect, including: 

 

•       Spouses/partners or other family members  

•       Neighbours, friends, or acquaintances  

•       Staff, professionals, or volunteers  

•       Strangers who deliberately exploit those they perceive as vulnerable to abuse  

 

3. Protecting Children and Adults at Risk

 

3.1 Appointment of staff and volunteers 

The church has put the following procedures in place to minimise the risk of abuse or neglect of children, young people and adults at risk within the church and the activities we are involved with. 

 

All members of church workers, Trustees, and those involved in any work with children, young people or vulnerable adults must firstly be approved in this role by the Trustees. In order to be considered, they will be formally asked if there is anything that they should disclose. If anything is disclosed, this must be discussed with the Church Leader before proceeding further and a written record must be kept.  

 

Once approved by the Trustees, all new church workers are required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) application, or provide evidence of a current DBS check to the Church Coordinator. All information on disclosures and DBS checks will be kept strictly confidential by the Church Coordinator.  

 

The church must notify the DBS if someone is asked to step down from a church activity because they have harmed, or might have gone on to harm, a child or adult at risk, or if they stepped down for such reasons.

 

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4. Dealing with Allegations or Suspicions of Abuse  

4.1       Possible indicators of abuse  

The following signs may or may not indicate that abuse has taken place, but the possibilities should be considered. If a church worker is concerned about a child or adult at risk, they should speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team (see Section 

1.2). For procedures on dealing with suspicions or allegations of abuse, see Section 4.2.  

 

•       Signs which may indicate physical abuse of children or adults include: 

                                               i.     Injuries which do not have an ‘accidental’ explanation 

                                             ii.     Injuries which are not consistent with the explanation given for them

                                            iii.     Injuries which have not received medical attention 

                                            iv.     Self-harming

                                             v.     Neglect, including poor hygiene or inappropriate hunger 

 

•       Signs which may indicate sexual abuse of children include: 

                                               i.     Any allegations made by a child concerning sexual abuse  

                                             ii.     Excessive preoccupation with sexual matters and detailed knowledge of adult sexual behaviour  

                                            iii.     Sexual activity through words, play or drawing 

                                            iv.     Sexually provocative or seductive behaviour with adults 

                                             v.      Inappropriate bed-sharing arrangements at home

 

• Emotional signs which may indicate some kind of abuse of children include: 

  1. Changes or regression in mood and behaviour (particularly where a person withdraws or becomes clingy), depression or aggression

  2. Nervousness  

  3. Sudden underachievement or lack of concentration 

  4. Inappropriate relationships with peers and / or adults 

  5. Attention-seeking behaviour  

  6. Running away, stealing or lying  

 

• Signs of financial abuse of adults at risk include: 

  1. Change in living conditions 

  2. Inability to pay bills or unexplained shortage of money 

  3. Unexplained withdrawals from an account  

  4. Unexplained loss or misplacement of financial documents 

  5. Sudden or unexpected changes in a will or other financial documents 

  6. Lack of heating, clothing or food

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4.2       Procedures for dealing with allegations, suspicions or concern:

The following procedures must be followed in relation to all safeguarding concerns, whether raised by a child, adult, church worker or anyone else:  

 

• Report the issue immediately to the Church Safeguarding Team 

Church workers must report any safeguarding allegations, suspicions or concerns as soon as possible to a member of the Church Safeguarding Team, as set out in Section 1.2. 

 

• Maintain confidentiality 

It is important that confidentiality about the concern and those involved is maintained at all times. Details of the issue should only be reported to a member of the Church Safeguarding Team and no-one else. The Church Safeguarding Team will then take the appropriate actions. 

 

Church workers should not discuss a concern or allegation of abuse or neglect of a child with the child’s parents / carers or of an adult at risk with a member of their family or their carer.  

 

• Do not attempt to investigate  

Church workers should not take matters into their own hands and seek to investigate a concern or allegation. They should report any issues to a member of the Church Safeguarding Team who will consider what action to take as outlined in Section 4.3. 

 

• Keep a written record  

Church workers with any safeguarding concerns should make a thorough written record of the issue, including what was said and / or what happened, and any actions taken.   

 

The record should be written as soon as possible and signed and dated. A copy of the report should be given to a member of the Church Safeguarding Team as soon as possible. All notes should be kept in a secure and confidential place. 

 

4.3 What happens next?  

The Church Safeguarding Team will deal with any allegation or suspicion of neglect or abuse. This will involve:  

 

•       Collating and clarifying the details of the allegation or suspicion 

•       If appropriate, referring matters on to the relevant external agencies, which have a legal duty to investigate  

 

Potential children’s safeguarding issues should be raised with Barnet Council’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), available Monday to Friday in office hours on 020 8359 4066. Outside these hours, the Barnet Council switch board should be contacted on 020 8359 2000.  

 

Potential adult safeguarding concerns should be raised with the Safeguarding Adult Board (SAB), available Monday to Friday in office hours on 020 8359 5000 (9am – 5pm, Mon to Fri). Outside these hours the Barnet Adult Abuse line on 020 8359 2000 should be contacted.  

 

In an emergency relating to any safeguarding issue, the Police should be contacted on 999. 

 

Information about the issue should only be shared with others in the church, including other Trustees, Church worker, or others, on a strictly need-to-know basis when it is in the interests of the child or adult concerned, or if others in the church may be at risk. 

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5. Supporting those affected by or involved in abuse  

The church is committed to ensuring that pastoral care and support are available to anyone in contact with the church who has been affected by abuse. The church is also committed to the pastoral care and appropriate support and supervision of anyone who has been involved in any form of abuse, or is otherwise believed to be a risk to children or adults at risk. The Church Leader, Trustees, Elders and the Church Safeguarding Team will work with statutory agencies as appropriate.

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 The Cherubim and Seraphim Solace of God Church

Safeguarding Statement

 

 

The Cherubim and Seraphim Solace of God Church will:

• Safely engaging and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.

• Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.

• Promoting a safer environment and culture.

• 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.

• Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.

 

The Cherubim and Seraphim Solace of God Church will:

• Display in church premises and on the church website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.

• Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following procedures, including notifying the Lead safeguarding Adviser and statutory agencies immediately.

• Have a named church safeguarding officer to perform their duty and to implement policy and procedures.

• Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.

• Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties. 

• Display in church premises and on the church website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs. 

·      Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.

 

The policy applies to anyone who works within The Cherubim and Seraphim Solace of God Churchcommunity. They will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

Failure to comply with the policy and related procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the Church.

 The implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices will be reviewed at least annually.

The Cherubim and Seraphim Solace of God Church will have in place arrangements that reflect the importance of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people as well as vulnerable adults.

 

Training and Awareness: 

The Cherubim and Seraphim Solace of God Church will ensure an appropriate level of safeguarding training is available to its Elders, Trustees, church workers and any relevant persons linked to the church who requires it.

For all church workers who are working or with children, this requires them as a minimum to have awareness training that enables them to: 

·      Understand what safeguarding is and their role in safeguarding children.

·      Recognise a child potentially in need of safeguarding and take action.

·      Understand how to report a safeguarding alert.

·      Understand dignity and respect when working with children.

·      Have knowledge of the Safeguarding Children Policy.

 

Confidentiality and Information Sharing:

The Cherubim and Seraphim Solace God Church expects all Church Leaders, Church workers and trustees to maintain confidentiality.  Information will only be shared in line with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and Data Protection.

 

However, information should be shared with the Local Authority if a child is deemed to be at risk of harm or contact the police if they are in immediate danger, or a crime has been committed. 

 

Recording and Record Keeping:

A written record must be kept about any concern regarding an adult with safeguarding needs. This must include details of the person involved, the nature of the concern and the actions taken, decision made and why they were made.

All records must be signed and dated. All records must be securely and confidentially stored in line with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). 

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Boundaries 

Church workers should observe appropriate boundaries, which are designed to protect them and create a safe environment for children and adults at risk.  

 

Church workers should provide a good example of Godly behaviour for others to follow, particularly, children and young people. Church workers should treat everyone, including children and adults at risk, with dignity and respect in attitude, language and actions.

 

It is not acceptable for those in a position of trust to engage in a relationship, or engage in any behaviour which might allow an inappropriate relationship to develop, with a child or vulnerable adult for as long as the relationship of trust continues.  

 

Church workers should keep everything public and plan activities with more than one church worker present, or at least within the sight or hearing of others, so they avoid being alone with a child in their care. Activities for children and young people should have at least two leaders present at all times and mixed sex activities should have at least one male and one female leader, or two female leaders, present at all times.  

 

Church workers must not use any form of inappropriate physical contact or physical form of discipline. Touch should be age-appropriate and generally initiated by a child rather than a church worker.

 

When giving first aid (or applying sun cream, etc.), church workers should encourage children to do what they can manage themselves, but should consider the children’s best interests and give appropriate help where necessary. 

 

Church workers should ensure that parents / carers give permission for church workers to change their child’s nappies. 

 

 Telephone and electronic communication with children and adults at risk Telephone and electronic communications are helpful for complementing communication in person, but present potential risks that should be explicitly considered by church workers.  

 

In general, telephone and electronic communication with children and adults at risk should be short and purposeful, using an appropriate, but not over-familiar tone and not suggesting or offering a special or private relationship.  

 

Church workers should avoid telephone and electronic communication with children and adults at risk of the opposite sex and no pictures of children and adults at risk should be taken by camera phone. In general, church workers should avoid any form of telephone or electronic communication with children and adults at risk between 10pm and 8am. 

 

 Photographs of children and adults at risk 

The church is committed to safe practice when dealing with images of children and adults at risk. No names or any other personal information, which could enable identification, should be used in church materials or publicity. The storage and use of images by the church is subject to the legal requirements of the Data Protection Act. 

 

Anyone who does not wish the church to take, store and use photographs and video of themselves, their children or those in their care should make this wish explicitly known in writing to the leader of the activity concerned, one of the Pastors or the Church Office.  

 

 Church trips and transport  

Parents / carers are encouraged to drop off and collect their children / those in their care from church activities. Children / adults at risk should not be taken on church trips unless explicit permission from the parents / carers has been obtained in writing in advance by the activity leader. Only those who have gone through the church’s procedure for the appointment of church workers should transport children and adults at risk in church-related trips.  

 

Situations of one leader and one child alone together should be avoided whenever possible. It is reasonable to expect that drivers may be alone with a child for short periods (for example, when dropping off the last child). However, drivers should not spend unnecessary time alone with a child. 

Church workers transporting children and adults at risk must have held a full driving licence for a minimum of two years. They must also have adequate insurance and the vehicle should be fully roadworthy. 

All children carried as passengers in cars are subject to the national legal requirements, including the driver’s legal responsibility to ensure that children have the appropriate age-related safety restraints in place.  

 

 Church premises  

It is important that all church workers ensure that the church building and its contents are safe and provide a safe environment for our activities.