SAFEGUARDING POLICY
Section 1. Organisation details (Standard 1)
Section 3. Prevention (Standards 3 and 4)
Section 4. Pastoral care (Standards 8 and 9)
Section 5. Practice guidelines (Standards 5, 6 and 10)
Duty of Care and Position of Trust General practice guidelines
Section 1
Organisational details
Hull Vineyard Church
The Vineyard Centre, Vulcan Street, Hull, HU6 7PS
Tel: 01482 343333
Email: safeguarding@hullvineyard.co.uk (Safeguarding Officer)
hello@hullvineyard.co.uk (General Enquiries)
Affiliated to Vineyard Churches UK & Ireland
Charity Number: 1102782
Company Number: 5039618
Insurance Company: Public Liability with Ansvar Insurance
The Hull Vineyard Church is established for:
- the furtherance of religious or secular public education
- the advancement of the Christian faith including missionary activities in the United Kingdom and overseas and also including but not limited to the planting of new churches and organisations of congregations
- attendance to the needs of the community
- the relief of the sick and elderly
- such other charitable objects and for the benefit of such other charitable bodies and institutions as the organisation sees fit
Our commitment
As a leadership we recognise the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults. We acknowledge that children, young people and vulnerable 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 leadership 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 practice guidelines are based on the ten Safe and Secure safeguarding standards published by thirtyone:eight (31:8).
The leadership undertakes 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 all operational guidelines
- ensure that the premises meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and all other relevant legislation, and that it is welcoming and inclusive
- support the Safeguarding Officer(s) in their work and in any action they may need to take in order to protect children and vulnerable adults
- file a copy of the policy and practice guidelines with 31:8 and the local authority (Hull Safeguarding Children Board) and any amendments subsequently published.
Section 2
Recognising and responding appropriately to an allegation or suspicion of abuse
Safeguarding awareness
We (the leadership) 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 induction training and undertake recognised safeguarding training on a regular basis using 31:8 resources.
We will also ensure that children and vulnerable adults 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.
Understanding abuse and neglect
Defining child abuse or abuse against a vulnerable adult is a difficult and complex issue. A person may abuse by inflicting harm, or failing to prevent harm. 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 vulnerable adult.
Definitions of abuse
Children
What is abuse and neglect?
Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting, by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger for example, via the internet. They may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children.
The four definitions of abuse below operate in England based on the government guidance ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children (2010)’.
Physical abuse
Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child.
Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development.
It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond the child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone.
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.
Neglect
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:
- provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment)
- protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger
- ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers)
- ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment
It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.
Adults
The following definition of abuse is laid down in ‘No Secrets: Guidance on developing and implementing multi-agency policies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults from abuse’ (Department of Health 2000):
‘Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons. In giving substance to that statement, however, consideration needs to be given to a number of factors:
Abuse may consist of a single act or repeated acts. It may be physical, verbal or psychological, it may be an act of neglect or an omission to act, or it may occur when a vulnerable person is persuaded to enter into a financial or sexual transaction to which he or she has not consented, or cannot consent. Abuse can occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm to, or exploitation of, the person subjected to it’.
Physical Abuse
This is the infliction of pain or physical injury, which is either caused deliberately, or through lack of care.
Sexual Abuse
This is the involvement in sexual activities to which the person has not consented or does not truly comprehend and so cannot give informed consent, or where the other party is in a position of trust, power or authority and uses this to override or overcome lack of consent.
Psychological or Emotional Abuse
These are acts or behaviour, which cause mental distress, anguish or negates the wishes of the vulnerable adult. It is also behaviour that has a harmful effect on the vulnerable adult’s emotional health and development or any other form of mental cruelty.
Financial or Material Abuse
This is the inappropriate use, misappropriation, embezzlement or theft of money, property or possessions.
Neglect or Act of Omission
This is the repeated deprivation of assistance that the vulnerable adult needs for important activities of daily living, including the failure to intervene in behaviour which is dangerous to the vulnerable adult or to others. A vulnerable person may be suffering from neglect when their general well-being or development is impaired.
Discriminatory Abuse
This is the inappropriate treatment of a vulnerable adult because of their age, gender, race, religion, cultural background, sexuality, disability etc. Discriminatory abuse exists when values, beliefs or culture result in a misuse of power that denies opportunity to some groups or individuals. Discriminatory abuse links to all other forms of abuse.
Institutional Abuse
This is the mistreatment or abuse of a vulnerable adult by a regime or individuals within an institution (e.g. hospital or care home) or in the community. It can be through repeated acts of poor or inadequate care and neglect or poor professional practice.
How to recognise signs and symptoms of abuse
Children
Sexual Abuse
- Being overly affectionate or knowledgeable in a sexual way inappropriate to the child’s age
- Medical problems such as chronic itching, pain in the genitals, venereal diseases
- Other extreme reactions, such as depression, self-mutilation, suicide attempts, running away, overdoses, anorexia
- Personality changes such as becoming insecure or clinging
- Regressing to younger behaviour patterns such as thumb sucking or bringing out discarded cuddly toys
- Sudden loss of appetite or compulsive eating
- Being isolated or withdrawn
- Inability to concentrate
- Lack of trust or fear of someone they know well, such as not wanting to be alone with a babysitter or child minder
- Starting to wet again, day or night/nightmares
- Become worried about clothing being removed
- Suddenly drawing sexually explicit pictures
- Trying to be ‘ultra-good’ or perfect; overreacting to criticism
Physical Abuse
- Unexplained recurrent injuries or burns
- Improbable excuses or refusal to explain injuries
- Wearing clothes to cover injuries, even in hot weather
- Refusal to undress for gym
- Bald patches
- Chronic running away
- Fear of medical help or examination
- Self-destructive tendencies
- Aggression towards others
- Fear of physical contact – shrinking back if touched
- Admitting that they are punished, but the punishment is excessive (such as a child being beaten every night to ‘make him study’)
- Fear of suspected abuser being contacted
Emotional Abuse
- Physical, mental and emotional development lags
- Sudden speech disorders
- Continual self-depreciation (‘I’m stupid, ugly, worthless, etc.’)
- Overreaction to mistakes
- Extreme fear of any new situation
- Inappropriate response to pain (‘I deserve this’)
- Neurotic behaviour (rocking, hair twisting, self-mutilation)
- Extremes of passivity or aggression
Neglect
- Constant hunger
- Poor personal hygiene
- Constant tiredness
- Poor state of clothing
- Emaciation
- Untreated medical problems
- No social relationships
- Compulsive scavenging
- Destructive tendencies
Note: A child may be subjected to a combination of different kinds of abuse.
It is also possible that a child may show no outward signs and hide what is happening from everyone
Adults
Possible Indicators of Physical Abuse
- Multiple bruising
- Fractures
- Burns
- Bed sores
- Fear
- Depression
- Unexplained weight loss
- Assault (can be intentional or reckless)
Possible Indicators of Sexual Abuse
- Loss of sleep
- Unexpected or unexplained change in behaviour
- Bruising
- Soreness around the genitals
- Torn, stained or bloody underwear
- A preoccupation with anything sexual
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Pregnancy
- Rape
- Indecent Assault
Possible Indicators of Emotional Abuse
- Fear
- Depression
- Confusion
- Loss of sleep
- Unexpected or unexplained change in behaviour
- Deprivation of liberty could be false imprisonment. Aggressive shouting causing fear of violence in a public place may be an offence against Public Order Act 1986, or harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997
Possible Indicators of Financial Abuse
- Unexplained withdrawals from the bank
- Unusual activity in the bank accounts
- Unpaid bills
- Unexplained shortage of money
- Reluctance on the part of the person with responsibility for the funds to provide basic food and clothes etc.
- Fraud
- Theft
Possible Indicators of Neglect
- Malnutrition
- Untreated medical problems
- Bed sores
- Confusion
- Over-sedation
- Deprivation of meals may constitute “willful neglect”
Discriminatory abuse
- Inappropriate remarks, comments or lack of respect
- Poor quality or avoidance of care
Possible Indicators of Institutional Abuse
- Inflexible and non-negotiable systems and routines
- Lack of consideration of dietary requirements
- Name calling; inappropriate ways of addressing people
- Lack of adequate physical care – an unkempt appearance
How to respond to a disclosure of abuse
Ensure the physical environment is welcoming, giving opportunity for the child or vulnerable adult to talk in private but making sure others are aware the conversation is taking place.
- It is especially important to allow time and space for the person to talk
- Above everything else listen without interrupting
- Be attentive and look at them whilst they are speaking
- Show acceptance of what they say (however unlikely the story may sound) by reflecting back words or short phrases they have used
- Try to remain calm, even if on the inside you are feeling something different
- Be honest and don’t make promises you can’t keep regarding confidentiality
- If they decide not to tell you after all, accept their decision but let them know that you are always ready to listen.
- Use language that is age appropriate and, for those with disabilities, ensure there is someone available who understands sign language, Braille etc.
Helpful responses
- You have done the right thing in telling
- I am glad you have told me
- I will try to help you
Don’t say:
- Why didn’t you tell anyone before?
- I can’t believe it!
- Are you sure this is true?
- Why? How? When? Who? Where?
- I am shocked, don’t tell anyone else
How to respond to an allegation/suspicion of abuse
Under no circumstances should a worker carry out their own investigation into an allegation or suspicion of abuse. Following procedures as below:
- The person in receipt of allegations or suspicions of abuse should report concerns as soon as possible to Emily Bridges (hereafter the “Safeguarding Officer”) who 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. Email: safeguarding@hullvineyard.co.uk or contact via the church office.
- In the absence of the Safeguarding Officer or, if the suspicions in any way involve the Safeguarding Officer, then the report should be made to Janice Farley or James Harley (hereafter the “Deputies”) via the church office.
- If the suspicions implicate both the Safeguarding Officer and the Deputies, then the report should be made in the first instance to the Thirtyone:eight (31:8) PO Box 133, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7UQ tel: 0303 003 1111. Alternatively contact Social Services or the Police.
- If the suspicions implicate both the Safeguarding Officer and the Deputies, then the report should be made in the first instance to the Thirtyone:eight (31:8) PO Box 133, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7UQ tel: 0303 003 1111. Alternatively contact Social Services or the Police.
- 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 Officer, the absence of the Safeguarding Officer or Deputy should not delay referral to the Safeguarding Teams or taking advice from 31:8.
The role of the Safeguarding Officer/Deputy is to collate and clarify the precise details of the allegation or suspicion and pass this information on to statutory agencies that have a legal duty to investigate.
Safeguarding Officer/Deputy’s response where there is a concern about a child
If a child has a physical injury, a symptom of neglect or where there are concerns about emotional abuse, the Safeguarding Officer/Deputy will:
- Contact Children’s Social Services (or 31:8) 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
- Seek medical help if needed urgently, informing the doctor of any suspicions.
- For lesser concerns, 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 31:8 if unsure whether or not to refer a case to Children’s Social Services.
In the event of allegations or suspicions of sexual abuse, the Safeguarding Officer/Deputy will:
- Contact the Local Children’s Safeguarding Board (LCSB) direct. They will NOT speak to the parent/carer or anyone else.
- Seek and follow the advice given by 31:8 if unsure whether or not to contact LCSB.
Safeguarding Officer/Deputy’s response where there is a concern about an adult in need of protection
If a vulnerable adult has a physical injury or symptom of sexual abuse the Safeguarding Officer/Deputy will:
- Discuss any concerns with the individual themselves giving due regard to their autonomy, privacy and rights to lead an independent life.
- If the vulnerable adult is in immediate danger or has sustained a serious injury contact the Emergency Services, informing them of any suspicions.
- For advice contact the Adult Social Care Vulnerable Adults Team. Alternatively 31:8 can be contacted for advice.
We will support the Safeguarding Officer/Deputy 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 31:8, although we hope that members of the place of church will use this procedure. If, however, the individual with the concern feels that the Safeguarding Officer/Deputy has not responded appropriately, or if they have a disagreement with the Safeguarding Officer(s) as to the appropriateness of a referral they are free to contact an outside agency direct.
Accusation/allegations against a person who works with children
If an accusation is made against a worker (whether a volunteer or member of staff), whilst following the procedure outlined above, the Safeguarding Officer, in accordance with Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures, will liaise with Children’s Social Services in regards to the suspension of the worker, also making a referral to a Safeguarding Adviser (SA) / Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
Communicating with VCUKI National Safeguarding Team (NST)
The NST are available for support and guidance. Any Level 2 or 3 incidents (abuse within the church or by leadership away from the church) should be reported to them at safeguarding@vcuki.org.uk or 01482 462690.
Section 3 Prevention
Safe recruitment
We 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 complete an application form and a self-declaration form
- Those short listed are interviewed
- Safeguarding is been discussed at interview
- References are taken up
- An appropriate disclosure and barring check is carried out
- Suitable training on child and/or adult safeguarding is provided
- The applicant completes a probationary period
- The applicant is given a copy of this safeguarding policy and knows how to report concerns
Management of Workers – Codes of Conduct
As a Leadership we are committed to supporting all workers and ensuring they receive support and supervision. All workers have been issued with a code of conduct towards children, young people and vulnerable adults, (section 5 of this document). We undertake to follow the principles found within the ‘Abuse of Trust’ guidance issued by the Home Office (App 2), it is unacceptable for those in a position of trust to engage in any behaviour which might allow a sexual relationship to develop for as long as the relationship of trust continues.
Section 4 Pastoral Care
Supporting those affected by abuse
We is committed to offering pastoral care, working with statutory agencies as appropriate, and to support to all those who have been affected by abuse, who have contact with or are part of the Hull Vineyard Church.
This support will be offered to the family through:
- Referral to counselling professionals or appropriate medical agencies.
- The pastoral systems already in place in the church. The support will be offered by those who have experience of pastoral care and are endorsed by the church.
- Offering practical help in attending appointments.
Working with ex-offenders
When someone attending the Hull Vineyard Church is known to have abused children, or is known to be a risk to vulnerable adults, we will ensure supervision of the individual concerned and offer pastoral care, but in its safeguarding commitment to the protection of children and vulnerable adults, set boundaries for that person which they will be expected to keep. Where appropriate, risk assessments will be drawn up to identify control measures.
A contract will be drawn up for the offender to sign and will be based on the uniqueness of his/her offence, the risk posed and the offender’s requirements. It will also detail the consequences of breaking the contract.
Section 5
Practice Guidelines
As an organisation working with children, young people and vulnerable adults 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 accusation.
Duty of Care and Positions of Trust
For definitions see Appendix 2.
The Children Act 2004 (England) through the Stay Safe outcome of ‘Every Child Matters Change for Children’ programmes, places a duty on organisations involved in providing services for children and young people to safeguard and promote their well-being. This means all workers have a responsibility to treat those they are caring for with respect and dignity as well as demonstrate competence and integrity. This is emphasised in our training programme along with training in spotting and dealing with symptoms of abuse.
Our duty of care to provide a safe environment for children and workers is reflected in our on-going building and equipment maintenance, our on-going inspection of electrical appliances, our involving an outside agency (Spitfire Services) to ensure our fire equipment is up to date and our risk assessment and training schedules for all activities.
All adults working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are in positions of trust. It is therefore vital workers ensure they do not, even unwittingly, use their position of power and authority inappropriately.
Workers should always maintain professional boundaries and avoid behaviour which might be misinterpreted. Any kind of sexual relationship between an adult worker and a child is never acceptable and if concerns arise in this area, this should be recorded and reported to the Safeguarding Officer.
The trusting relationship between worker and child, young person or vulnerable adult means the worker should never:
- use their position to gain access to information for their own or others’ advantage
- use their position to intimidate, bully, humiliate, threaten, coerce or undermine
- use their status and standing to form or promote relationships that are or may become sexual
General practice guidelines
For specific and detailed practice guidelines see the individual handbooks for the Children’s ministry, Debt Advise ministry (CMA) and the Table ministry. These are available from the church office.
Risk Assessments
Risk assessments are carried out for all activities undertaken by the Hull Vineyard Church. The regular weekly activities are reviewed and updated annually, the one off events are assessed on an individual basis.
The person heading up the area of ministry involved will compile the risk assessment and it will be reviewed by the staff member or Trustee responsible for health and safety.
Safety of buildings and equipment
An on-going schedule of regular maintenance in addition to visual checks by staff ensures the safety of the building and internal fixtures and fittings. Our fire equipment is serviced regularly by Spitfire Services and fire exit plans are displayed around the building.
All team members should be aware of fire procedures; there is a fire practise annually.
Food and drink safety and hygiene
Food is prepared for the Table ministry and the person responsible for this ministry possesses a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate and is aware of the issues involved in preparing, handling and disposing of food safely.
All helpers are trained on induction and on a termly basis on issues of health and safety in this area.
First Aid
The designated first aider is a member of staff and first aid boxes are located in the children’s area and in the kitchen area.
Safeguarding Principles for Group or Activity
Guidelines regarding the number of adults required to manage the Children’s groups are indicated below. Only those over 18 are allowed to have responsibility for children, although 16-18 year olds may be involved in the group work they may not be directly responsible for children.
Our practices on personal privacy and care are also included in that document which is available from the church office and used as part of our training schedule.
For children’s ministry a signing in and out procedure of all children and adults is operated.
Each individual working with children or vulnerable adults must agree to the Vineyard ethos statement.
Adult to Child Ratios in Group Activities
For Sunday morning activities we recommend the following ratios:
Age Adult:Children
Under 2 1:3
2 – 3 1:4
4 – 8 1:9
However we assess numbers of adults required in line with the activity undertaken and the needs of the children involved.
Data Protection, Human Rights and Safeguarding
We take seriously the manner in which we handle personal information. We comply with the regulations on processing data. We also recognise that safeguarding issues take precedence over data protection.
Registration
A general registration, information and consent form is required for a child to participate in Hull Vineyard activities.
Signing in for each session is computerised and the records retained in accordance with Government Data Protection guidelines.
Keeping Records
Log sheets to record incidents, behaviour or significant conversations is kept, filled in by the adult concerned, dated and signed. Each entry is on a separate page to maintain confidentiality and should be recorded as soon as possible after the event. The logs are held securely.
Accidents
An accident book is kept at the church and any accidents recorded are signed by the individual (or parent) concerned
Anti- bullying Policy and practice (children & young people)
Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Children can bully each other, be bullied by adults and can sometimes bully adults. Any form of bullying results in pain and distress to the victim and is unacceptable behaviour within any organisation. Some common forms of bullying can be:
- Verbal -name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing including via emails or text messaging
- Emotional – being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting, graffiti, gestures, racial taunts
- Physical – pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
- Sexual – sexually abusive comments or gestures
- Racial – any of the above because of, or focusing on the issue of racial differences
- Homophobic – any of the above because of, or focusing on the issue of sexual orientation
- Unofficial activities such as practical jokes which may cause children physical or emotional harm even though this may not be intended
We recognise the harm that bullying can cause and have a zero tolerance attitude towards bullying, which is abuse. We deal with the victim of the abuse, the parents and the bully to avoid repetition in line with our procedure outlined already.
Solvents and Illegal Substances.
Workers should be alert to possession and use of illegal substances.
If a worker becomes aware a child, young person or vulnerable adult may be abusing solvents they should make the Safeguarding Officer aware of the situation be encouraged to seek professional help from their doctor or a counsellor specialising in this area.
For the individual involved action may include the following:
- Ask them to stop, warning them of the consequences if they do not e.g. suspension or ban from the group.
- Inform parents/carers if the individual is under 16 years.
- Inform the parents/carers if the individual is over 16 years (with their permission).
- Discuss with the individual the proposed course of action, particularly if they re-offend (e.g. informing the police).
- Write down the content of any discussion with the individual, including the action taken and keep this in a secure place.
- Liaise with the police to devise a strategy for dealing with the use of illegal substances.
Having said this, it is a criminal offence to allow anyone attending an activity run by an organisation to supply illegal drugs or use them on the premises. In this situation the police will be contacted. All those attending Table are aware of our zero tolerance policy and understand that they will be banned from Table and the police involved.
Outings
Separate and specific consent forms are required for each outing, a copy to be taken on the outing and one lodged with the church office. After risk assessment the required number of adults will accompany the children.
Transportation
Where children or young people are transported by means of a church minibus consents will be obtained, licence and insurance checks made and all adults driving will be required to have a current DBS check.
Residential holidays
The safety and suitability of residential accommodation will be assessed in on an individual basis.
All leaders and workers will be selected from our regular children’s team and have appropriate DBS checks and operate under our child protection policy.
Filming and taking photographs
Filming and photographing are undertaken with full awareness of the data protection act and obtaining the relevant permissions from individual or the parents of the child.
Working in Partnership
The diversity of organisations and settings means there can be great variation in practice when it comes to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. This can be because of cultural tradition, belief and religious practice or understanding, for example, of what constitutes abuse.
We therefore have clear guidelines in regards to our expectations of those with whom we work in partnership, whether in the UK or not. We will discuss with all partners our safeguarding expectations and have a partnership agreement for safeguarding. It is also our expectation that any organisation using our premises, as part of a letting agreement will have their own policy that meets the 31:8 safeguarding standards.
Good communication is essential in promoting safeguarding, both to those we wish to protect, to everyone involved in working with children and vulnerable adults and to all those with whom we work in partnership. This safeguarding policy is just one means of promoting safeguarding.
As part of Vineyard Churches UK & Ireland we have agreed to the bye-laws of the denomination, these indicate that the senior leaders of the church are DBS checked and that a Child Protection Policy is in place.
The Hull Vineyard displays posters showing the name of the Safeguarding Officer and the 31:8 helpline as well as other relevant helplines.
Signed by: Emily Bridges (Safeguarding Officer)
Appendix 1
Leadership Safeguarding Statement
The leadership, in this instance the Trustees and Senior Pastors recognises the importance of its ministry/work with children, young people and adults in need of protection and its responsibility to protect everyone entrusted to our care.
The following statement was agreed by the leadership.
The Hull Vineyard Church is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults and ensuring their well-being.
Specifically:
- We recognise that we all have a responsibility to help prevent the physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect of children and young people (those under 18 years of age) and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.
- We believe every child should be valued, safe and happy. We want to make sure that children we have contact with know this and are empowered to tell us if they are suffering harm.
- All children and young people have the right to be treated with respect, to be listened to and to be protected from all forms of abuse.
- We recognise that we all have a responsibility to help prevent the physical, sexual, psychological, financial and discriminatory abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.
- We recognise the personal dignity and rights of vulnerable adults and will ensure all our policies and procedures reflect this.
- We believe all adults should enjoy and have access to every aspect of the life of the Hull Vineyard Church unless they pose a risk to the safety of those we serve.
- We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of all those who will work with children and vulnerable adults.
We are committed to:
- Following the requirements for UK legislation in relation to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and good practice recommendations.
- Respecting the rights of children as described in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
- Implementing the requirements of legislation in regard to people with disabilities.
- Ensuring that workers adhere to the agreed procedures of our safeguarding policy.
- Keeping up to date with national and local developments relating to safeguarding.
- Following any denominational or organisational guidelines in relation to safeguarding children and adults in need of protection.
- Supporting the Safeguarding Officer(s) in their work and in any action they may need to take in order to protect children/vulnerable adults.
- Ensuring that everyone agrees to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by the Hull Vineyard Church.
- Supporting parents and families.
- Nurturing, protecting and safeguarding of children and young people
- Supporting, resourcing, training, monitoring and providing supervision to all those who undertake this work.
- Supporting all in the Hull Vineyard Church affected by abuse.
- Adopting and following the ‘Safe and Secure’ safeguarding standards developed by the Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service.
We recognise:
- Children’s Social Services (or equivalent) has lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about a child. Adult Social Care (or equivalent) has lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about a vulnerable adult.
- Where an allegation suggests that a criminal offence may have been committed then the police should be contacted as a matter of urgency.
- Where working outside of the UK, concerns will be reported to the appropriate agencies in the country in which we operate, and their procedures followed, and in addition we will report concerns to our agency’s headquarters.
- Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
We will review this statement and our policy and procedures annually.
If you have any concerns for a child or vulnerable adult, then speak to one of the following who have been approved as safeguarding officers for the Hull Vineyard Church.
Emily Bridges Safeguarding Officer
Janice Farley Deputy Safeguarding Officer
James Harley Deputy Safeguarding Officer
Signed by: Emily Bridges (Safeguarding Officer)
Appendix 2
Government Definitions: ‘Duty of Care’, ‘Position of Trust’ and ‘Abuse of Trust’ (sexual relationships)
Duty of Care
‘The duty which rests upon an individual or organisation to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure the safety of a child or young person involved in any activity or interaction for which that individual or organisation is responsible. Any person in charge of, or working with children and young people in any capacity is considered, both legally and morally to owe them a duty of care.’
(‘Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults who Work with Children and Young People’ (Department for Children Schools and Families – November 2007))
Position of Trust
‘Broadly speaking, a relationship of trust can be described as one in which one party is in a position of power or influence over the other by virtue of their work or the nature of their activity. It is vital for all those in positions of trust to understand the power this can give them over those they care for and the responsibility they must exercise as a consequence of this relationship’.
(‘Caring for Young People and the Vulnerable? Guidance for Preventing Abuse of Trust (Home Office))
Abuse of Trust
Where a person aged 18 or over is in a specified position of trust with a child under 18, it is an offence for that person to engage in sexual activity with or in the presence of that child, or to cause or incite that child to engage in or watch sexual activity.
(Sexual Offences Act 2003.Sect 16-19 re-enacts and amends offence of abuse of position of trust)
Last Updated 1st March 2023