SAFEGUARDING POLICY FOR CHURCHES TOGETHER IN LICHFIELD
Churches Together in Lichfield abides by the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults at risk and is committed to safeguarding practice that reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice requirements.
- We recognise the welfare of children and adults at risk is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take.
- All, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.
- Some children or adults are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.
- Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare. Working in partnership with individuals, agencies and carers is recommended when considering the welfare of adults at risk.
Purpose:
Churches Together in Lichfield will:
- Protect children and adults at risk who receive Churches Together in Lichfield’s service from harm. This includes the children of adults who use our services.
- Provide volunteers, as well as children, their families or carers, and adults at risk with the overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding.
This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Churches Together in Lichfield. Failure to comply with the policy and related procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.
Definitions:
The Children Act 1989 definition of a child is: anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday, even if they are living independently, are a member of the armed forces or is in hospital.
Adult at Risk:
- An adult who has needs for care and support (whether or not the authority is meeting any of those needs),
- is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and
- as a result of those needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it.
Child and Adult Abuse: Children and adults may be vulnerable to neglect and abuse or exploitation from within their family and from individuals they come across in their daily lives. There are 4 main categories of abuse, which are: sexual, physical, emotional abuse, and neglect. It is important to be aware of more specific types of abuse that fall within these categories, they are:
- Bullying and cyberbullying
- Child sexual exploitation
- Child Criminal exploitation
- Child trafficking
- Domestic abuse
- Female genital mutilation
- Grooming
- Historical abuse
- Online abuse
- Spiritual Abuse
Safeguarding children: Safeguarding children is defined in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 as:
- protecting children from maltreatment.
- preventing impairment of children’s health or development.
- ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care.
- taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.
Legal Framework:
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England.
Training and Awareness:
Churches Together in Lichfield will ensure an appropriate level of safeguarding training is available for all who are working or volunteering with children or adults at risk to ensure they
- Understand what safeguarding is and their role in safeguarding.
- Recognise an individual 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 Policy.
Similarly, volunteers may encounter concerns about the safety and wellbeing of an adult at risk of abuse.
Confidentiality and Information Sharing:
Churches Together in Lichfield expects all volunteers to maintain confidentiality. Information will only be shared in line with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and Data Protection.
Recording and Record Keeping:
A written record must be kept about any concern regarding a child or 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).
Safe Recruitment & Selection:
Churches Together in Lichfield is committed to safe employment and safe recruitment practices, that reduce the risk of harm to children and adults at risk from people unsuitable to work with them or have contact with them.
Annual Review:
The Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed at the Annual General Meeting and then updated if necessary.