SAFEGUARDING POLICY
CONTENTS
Section 1: General information
(Safe and Secure Standard 1)
1.1 Useful Contact Details
1.2 Church Details
1.3 Grace London’s Safeguarding Commitment
Section 2: Recognising and responding appropriately to an allegation or suspicion of abuse
(Safe and Secure Standards 2 and 7)
2.0 Establishing capacity
2.1 Understanding Abuse and Neglect
2.1.1 Statutory Definitions of abuse (children)
2.1.2 Definitions of abuse (adults with care and support needs)
2.1.3 Further definitions of abuse
2.2 Recognising Signs of Possible Abuse
2.2.1 Signs of possible abuse (children)
2.2.2 Recognising possible signs of abuse (adults with care and support needs)
2.3 Safeguarding Awareness Training
2.4 Responding to Allegations of Abuse
2.4.1 General Information and Procedures
2.4.2 What to do if you suspect that abuse may have occurred (children)
2.4.3 What to do if you suspect that abuse may have occurred (adults with care and support needs)
2.4.5 Allegations of abuse against a person working with children or adults with care and support needs
Section 3: Prevention of abuse: the recruitment and management of workers
(Safe and Secure Standards 3 and 4)
3.1 Safer recruitment
3.2 Management of Workers Codes of Conduct
Section 4: Pastoral care: of abused and abusers
(Safe and Secure Standards 8 and 9)
4.1 Supporting those affected by abuse
4.2 Working with offenders
Section 5: Best practice guidelines
(Safe and Secure Standards 5, 6 and 10)
5.1 General Safeguarding Principles for Group or Activity
5.2 Adult to Child Ratios
5.3 Peer-group Activities (children and young people)
5.4 Keeping Records
5.4.1 Keeping a Register
5.4.2 Accident Log and First Aid
5.4.3 Data Protection
5.5 Discipline and Challenging Behaviour
5.5.1 Guidelines for Discipline
5.5.2 Challenging Behaviour
5.6 Home Visits
5.7 Outings
5.8 Working in Partnership
5.9 Online & Digital Safety
Appendices
1. Leadership Safeguarding Statement
Full appendix available on request.
SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Useful contact details
Safeguarding Coordinators
Kat Miller - 07792 618 011
Dilani Wong - 07474 951 823
Hannah Reynders - +27 743 443 276
Grace London Safeguarding Email - safeguarding@grace.london
ThirtyOne:Eight
01322 517817
Lambeth Council Social Services
Children - 020 7926 5555
In and out of hours emergency - 020 7926 1000
Adults with care and support needs - 020 7926 5555
Police
Emergency - 999
Non-emergency - 101
1.2 Church details
Name
Grace London
Address for Correspondence
Grace London
Unit 6
60-62 Clapham Road
London
SW9 0JJ
Address for Services (Sundays only)
Waterloo
The London Nautical School
61 Stamford Street
London
SE1 9NA
Holborn
Cheng Kin Ku Building
54 Lincoln's Inn Fields
London
WC2A 3LJ
info@grace.london
Website
www.grace.london
Grace London Trustees (membership of which may change from time to time, the “Trustees”)
Andrew Haslam - 07952 060953
Luke Boardman - 07495 978884
Tom Wheatley - 07875 381630
Paul Nicholas - 07960 161304
Grace London Elders (membership of which may change from time to time, the “Elders”, and together with the Trustees, the “Leadership”)
Andrew Haslam - 07952 060953
Luke Boardman - 07495 978884
Charity Number
#1161147
Regulator
The Charity Commission
Insurance Company
Ansvar Insurance (employer’s liability, public liability, product liability insurance, and business equipment insurance).
Affiliations
Advance (www.advancemovement.com)
The following is a brief description of our place of worship and the type of work we undertake with children and adults with care and support needs. Grace London is an evangelical church based in Waterloo and Holborn, London.
We currently run groups for children during our Sunday morning services. This includes different age groups: GraceTots (2-3 yrs), GraceKids (4-6yrs), GraceJuniors (7-9yrs) and GraceSeniors (over 10yrs). Occasionally, we run children’s groups during church activities outside of Sunday services, such as at church weekends away. At these events, children’s parents are usually present, and no children’s worker has responsibility for any children outside of the activity sessions at these events. We do not transport children without their parents, nor do we provide overnight accommodation for children without their parents.
We also run a Care Team, specifically helping those with additional needs. Some of the people helped by the Care Team may be adults with care and support needs.
1.3 Grace London’s safeguarding commitment
Grace London has a growing ministry to children and young people and may also develop ministries in the future that involve working with adults with care and support needs. The church greatly values children, young people and adults with care and support needs and takes seriously its responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of those entrusted to its care.
As Trustees we 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. The Bible teaches us that all people are made in God’s image (Gen 1.27) which gives everyone - including children and vulnerable adults - extraordinary dignity. We also believe that we are called to love everyone we have the opportunity to minister to (Luke 10.25-37), which implies a special duty towards those who are vulnerable and towards children since they are so dependent upon us. Putting it positively, we are called to provide the best possible environment for children to learn about God (Deuteronomy 6.4-9) and encounter Jesus for themselves (Luke 18.15-17). But we must also take care that they do not experience any kind of stumbling block (Luke 17.1-2). This places upon us an obligation before God to pay careful attention to children, young adults, and those with care and support needs. As Trustees, 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 attached practice guidelines are based on the ten Safe and Secure safeguarding standards published by THIRTYONE:EIGHT.
The Leadership undertakes to:
endorse and follow all national and local safeguarding legislation and procedures.
provide on-going safeguarding training for all its workers and will regularly review the operational guidelines attached.
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.
file a copy of the policy and practice guidelines with THIRTYONE:EIGHT and any amendments subsequently published. The Leadership agrees not to allow the document to be copied by other organisations.
SECTION 2. RECOGNISING AND RESPONDING APPROPRIATELY TO AN ALLEGATION OR SUSPICION OF ABUSE
[Note: The following section is based upon guidance/information.]
2.0 Establishing capacity
When working with adults you may be faced with the situation of determining whether someone has the mental capacity or ability to make decisions about themselves and their safety and well- rights to autonomy and their need for protection.
The mental capacity of an adult at risk will determine what actions will be taken. Adults have a right to make their own choices in relation to their well-being and personal safety. Even if a person may follow a course of action or behaviour which may expose them to harm, or leave them in a situation of abuse, where they have mental capacity and choose to do so, then this should be respected.
When faced with a situation where an adult at risk doesn’t want help, it is important to make contact with Adult Social Care (Lambeth Social Services for Adults with Care and Support Needs see above for contact details) or the police and share your concerns. They can then make a determination if they need to put a safeguarding plan in place, taking into account whether the individual lacks the mental capacity to make a choice, whether there is a risk to others, or whether or not action is necessary in order to prevent a crime.
2.1 Understanding abuse & neglect
Defining child abuse or abuse against an 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 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 which states:
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 which states:
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Detailed definitions, and signs and symptoms of abuse, as well as how to respond to a disclosure of abuse, are included here in our policy.
2.1.1 Statutory definitions of abuse (children)
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. They may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children.
Child protection legislation throughout the UK is based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The four definitions of abuse below operate in England based on the government guidance ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children (2015)’.
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.
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 cyberbullying), 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 and 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 caregivers); or
ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.
2.1.2 Definitions of abuse (adults with care & support needs)
References to adults with care and support needs refer to those persons formerly referred to as vulnerable adults. Secrets: Guidance on developing and implementing multi-agency policies and procedures to protect adults with care and support needs from abuse (Department of Health 2000):
Abuse is 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 or anguish or negate 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 form of mental cruelty.
Financial or Material Abuse
This is the inappropriate use, misappropriation, embezzlement or theft of money, property or possessions.
Neglect/Self Neglect
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.
Organisational 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.
2.1.3 Further definitions of abuse
Significant Harm
This relates to the degree of harm that triggers statutory action to protect a child. It is based on the individual child's health or development compared to that which could reasonably be expected of a similar child e.g. severity of ill-treatment, degree and extent of physical harm, duration and frequency of abuse and neglect, premeditation. Department of Health guidance suggests that 'significant' means 'considerable, noteworthy or important.'
Children in whom Illness is Fabricated or Induced (formerly known as Munchausen’s Syndrome By Proxy)
This is a form of child abuse in which the parents or carers give false accounts of symptoms in their children and may fake signs of illness (to draw attention to themselves). They seek repeated medical investigations and needless treatment for their children. The government guidance on this is found in 'Safeguarding Children in whom Illness is Fabricated or Induced' (2002).
Spiritual Abuse
Linked with emotional abuse, spiritual abuse could be defined as an abuse of power, often done in the name of God or religion, which involves manipulating or coercing someone into thinking, saying or doing things without respecting their right to choose for themselves. Some indicators of spiritual abuse might be a leader who is intimidating and imposes his/her will on other people, perhaps threatening dire consequences or the wrath of God if disobeyed. He or she may say that God has revealed certain things to them and so they know what is right. Those under their leadership are fearful to challenge or disagree, believing they will lose the leader's (or more seriously God's) acceptance and approval.
Domestic Violence
The current cross-government definition of domestic violence or abuse is:
Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:
psychological
physical
Sexual
Financial
Emotional
Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Coercive behaviour is: an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.
(Home Office, March 2013)
This definition includes so called ‘honour violence’, female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriage and modern slavery. It is clear that victims, whilst predominantly female, are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.
Investigating complex (organised or multiple) abuse
This abuse may be defined as abuse involving one or more abusers and a number of children. The abusers concerned may be acting in concert to abuse children, sometimes acting in isolation, or may be using an institutional framework or position of authority to recruit children for abuse.
Complex abuse occurs both as part of a network of abuse across a family or community, and within institutions such as residential homes or schools. Such abuse is profoundly traumatic for the children who become involved. Its investigation is time-consuming and demanding work, requiring specialist skills from both police and social work staff. Some investigations become extremely complex because of the number of places and people involved, and the timescale over which abuse is alleged to have occurred. The complexity is heightened where, as in historical cases, the alleged victims are no longer living in the setting where the incidents occurred or where the alleged perpetrators are also no longer linked to the setting or employment role. (Working Together 2010 Sections: 6.10 6.11)
Child Prostitution
'Working Together to Safeguard Children' (2006) Section 6.2 stated:
Children involved in prostitution and other forms of commercial sexual exploitation should be treated primarily as the victims of abuse, and their needs require careful assessment.
See also 'Safeguarding Children Involved in Prostitution' (2000)
In 'Working Together to Safeguard Children' (2010) it states:
The Sexual Offences Act 2003 introduced a number of new offences to deal with those who sexually exploit children and young people. The offences protect children up to the age of 18 and can attract tough penalties. They include:
paying for the sexual services of a child;
causing or inciting child prostitution;
arranging or facilitating child prostitution; and
controlling a child prostitute.
(Section 12.10)
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
The World Health Organization defined FGM as all procedures involving partial or total removal or stitching up of the female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs whether for cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons.
FGM has been a criminal offence in the UK since the Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985 was passed. The Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 replaced the 1985 Act and made it an offence for UK nationals or permanent UK residents to carry out FGM abroad, or to aid, abet, counsel or procure the carrying out of FGM abroad, even in countries where the practice is legal.
2.2 Recognising signs of possible abuse
2.2.1 Signs of possible abuse (children)
The following signs could be indicators that abuse has taken place but should be
Physical
Injuries not consistent with the explanation given for them
Injuries that occur in places not normally exposed to falls, rough games, etc
Injuries that have not received medical attention
Reluctance to change for, or participate in, games or swimming
Repeated urinary infections or unexplained tummy pains
Bruises on babies, bites, burns, fractures etc which do not have an accidental explanation
Cuts/scratches/substance abuse
Sexual
Any allegations made concerning sexual abuse
Excessive preoccupation with sexual matters and detailed knowledge of adult sexual behaviour
Age-inappropriate sexual activity through words, play or drawing Child who is sexually provocative or seductive with adults
Inappropriate bed-sharing arrangements at home
Severe sleep disturbances with fears, phobias, vivid dreams or nightmares, sometimes with overt or veiled sexual connotations
Eating disorders - anorexia, bulimia
Emotional
Changes or regression in mood or behaviour, particularly where a child withdraws or becomes clinging.
Depression, aggression, extreme anxiety.
Nervousness, frozen watchfulness
Obsessions or phobias
Sudden under-achievement or lack of concentration
Inappropriate relationships with peers and/or adults
Attention-seeking behaviour
Persistent tiredness
Running away/stealing/lying
Neglect
Under nourishment, failure to grow, constant hunger, stealing or gorging food
Untreated illnesses
Inadequate care, etc.
2.2.2 Recognising signs of possible abuse (adults with care & support needs)
Physical
A history of unexplained falls, fractures, bruises, burns, minor injuries Signs of under or over use of medication and/or medical problems unattended
Sexual
Pregnancy in a woman who is unable to consent to sexual intercourse
Unexplained change in behaviour or sexually implicit/explicit behaviour
Torn, stained or bloody underwear and/or unusual difficulty in walking or sitting
Infections or sexually transmitted diseases
Full or partial disclosure or hints of sexual abuse
Self-harming
Psychological
Alteration in psychological state e.g. withdrawn, agitated, anxious, tearful
Intimidated or subdued in the presence of the carer
Fearful, flinching or frightened of making choices or expressing wishes
Unexplained paranoia
Financial or Material
Disparity between assets and living conditions
Unexplained withdrawals from accounts or disappearance of financial documents
Sudden inability to pay bills
Recent changes of deeds or title to property
Neglect or Omission
Malnutrition, weight loss and /or persistent hunger
Poor physical condition, poor hygiene, varicose ulcers, pressure sores
Being left in wet clothing or bedding and/or clothing in a poor condition
Failure to access appropriate health, educational services or social care
No callers or visitors
Discriminatory
Inappropriate remarks, comments or lack of respect
Poor quality or avoidance of care
Institutional
Lack of flexibility or choice over meals, bed times, visitors, phone calls etc. Inadequate medical care and misuse of medication
Inappropriate use of restraint
Sensory deprivation e.g. denial of use of spectacles or hearing aids
Missing documents and/or absence of individual care plans
Public discussion of private matter
Lack of opportunity for social, educational or recreational activity
2.3 Safeguarding awareness training
The Leadership is 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 (including Elders, non-administrative staff, Trustees & children’s work volunteers) will receive induction training and undertake safeguarding training on an bi-annual basis.
The Leadership will seek to ensure that children and adults with care and support needs are aware that they can speak to the Safeguarding Coordinators in order to be 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.
2.4 Responding to allegations of abuse
2.4.1 General information & procedures
Under no circumstances should a worker carry out their own investigation into an allegation or suspicion of abuse. They should instead follow the procedures set out below:
The person in receipt of allegations or suspicions of abuse should report concerns as soon as possible to one of the Safeguarding Coordinators who are nominated by the Trustees 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.
If the suspicions implicate both Safeguarding Coordinators, then the report should be made in the first instance to THIRTYONE:EIGHT: Telephone 0845 120 4550. Alternatively contact Social Services or the police. Contact details of all the above can be found at the beginning of this document.
Where the concern is about a child the Safeguarding Coordinator should contact Children’s Social Services. Where the concern is about an adult in need of protection contact Adult Social Services or take advice from THIRTYONE:EIGHT as above.
The local Children’s Social Services office hours) is 020 7926 5555. The out of hours emergency number is 020 7926 1000.
The local Adult Social Services office telephone number (office hours) is 020 7926 5555.
The phone number for the police is 999, or 101 in a non-emergency situation.
The Safeguarding Coordinators may need to inform others depending on the circumstances and/or nature of the concern (for example one or more of the Grace London Trustees to log that a safeguarding concern is being dealt with, the Insurance company to log that there is a possibility of a serious incident concerning safeguarding or a Designated Officer (formerly LADO) if allegations have been made about a person who has a role with under-18s elsewhere or another denominational officer or similar).
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 Coordinators, the absence of the Safeguarding Coordinators should not delay referral to Social Services, the Police or taking advice from THIRTYONE:EIGHT.
The Trustees will support the Safeguarding Coordinators 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 Trustees hope that members of Grace London will use this procedure. If, however, the individual with the concern feels that the Safeguarding Coordinators have not responded appropriately, or where they have a disagreement with the Safeguarding Coordinators as to the appropriateness of a referral they are free to contact an outside agency directly. We hope by making this statement that the Trustees demonstrate their commitment to effective safeguarding and the protection of all those who are vulnerable.
The role of the Safeguarding Coordinators 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.
2.4.2 What to do if you suspect that may have occurred (children)
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 Coordinators 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, 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 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 Co ordinators will:
Contact the Children’s Social Services Department Duty Social Worker for children and families or Police Child Protection Team directly. 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 or not to contact Children’s Social Services/Police. THIRTYONE:EIGHT will confirm its advice in writing for future reference.
2.4.3 What to do if you suspect that may have occurred (adults with care & support needs)
If there is concern about any of the following: suspicions or allegations of abuse or harm including; physical, sexual, organisational, financial, discriminatory, neglect, self neglect, forced marriage, modern slavery, domestic abuse, the Safeguarding Coordinators 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.
2.4.4 Allegations of abuse against a person working with children or adults with care & support needs
If an accusation is made against a worker (whether a volunteer or paid member of staff) whilst following the procedure outlined above, the Safeguarding Coordinators, in accordance with Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures will need to liaise with Social Services as applicable in regards to the suspension of the worker, also making a referral to a designated officer (formerly called a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)).
Consideration should also be given as to whether a referral should be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service which manages the list of those people deemed unsuitable for working with children or adults with care and support needs.
When liaising with a designated officer you should discuss with them about the need to refer to the DBS. If a designated officer is not involved, you must contact the DBS if the situation is that the nature of concern leads you to end the employment of the worker or volunteer or you would have made this decision in circumstances where they have left voluntarily.
SECTION 3. PREVENTION OF ABUSE: THE RECRUITMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF WORKERS
3.1 Safer recruitment
The Leadership will ensure all workers will be appointed, trained, supported and supervised in accordance with government guidance on safe recruitment. This includes ensuring that:
For volunteers such as children’s group workers
Workers will be appointed from within the church.
Applicants will need to complete a DBS application form and a self-declaration form.
A disclosure and barring check has been completed where necessary (we will comply with Code of Practice requirements concerning the fair treatment of applicants and the handling of information).
A suitable training programme is provided for the successful applicant (before commencing work with children).
The applicant has been given and read policy and Code of Conduct and knows how to report concerns.
Workers will need to have their DBS rechecked once every three years and will need to reread the safeguarding policy at regular intervals and after any substantive changes to the policy.
The suitability of the candidate is assessed by the Children’s Ministry Lead alongside the Safeguarding Coordinators (This will be inline with recommendations from elders that candidates should be members or in attendance for 6 months with a reference from a lifegroup or pastoral leader).
A person will not be appointed to be a children’s worker if in the judgement of the church leaders the person is not appropriate. Such judgements would be based upon factors such as previous convictions for violence or sexual offenses, appearing on the DBS barred list, behaviour, lifestyle and spiritual commitment.
As well as the above points, where the worker to be appointed is an employed worker, such as a paid youth leader the following points will also apply:
Employed Workers:
The position is advertised according to law.
There is a written job description / person specification for the post.
Those shortlisted have been interviewed by church leadership.
Safeguarding has been discussed at the interview.
Written references have been obtained, and followed up where appropriate.
The applicant has completed a probationary period.
For employed workers it may be that the successful applicant was not previously a part of Grace London prior to being appointed.
3.2 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 the Grace London Children’s Work Code of Conduct towards children, young people and adults with care and support needs. This is based on the principles outlined in the Home Office issued guidance Abuse of Trust: Caring for young people and the vulnerable: Guidance for preventing abuse of trust’.
As well as issues covered in this policy, the Code of Conduct addresses what to do if a child is ill or injured and safe communication with children, including touch, photography of children and praying with children. The Code of Conduct is to be read in conjunction with this policy and forms part of this policy.
SECTION 4. PASTORAL CARE
4.1 Supporting those affected by abuse
The Trustees 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 Grace London.
4.2 Working with offenders
When someone attending Grace London is known to have abused children, or is known to be a risk to adults with care and support needs the Elders will supervise the individual concerned and offer pastoral care. The Trustees and Safeguarding Coordinators will also be notified and have oversight of the procedures put in place. However, in its safeguarding commitment to the protection of children and adults with care and support needs, they will also set boundaries for that person which they will be expected to keep. This could be in the form of a contract of behaviour and pastoral care.
In addition to writing a contract, the Elders should:
Ensure they maintain close links with the offender or supervising officer, if any
Ensure the contract is enforced, not allowing themselves to be manipulated by the offender
Provide close support or pastoral care and observation of the offender.
Ensure the safeguarding officer is aware of the situation and consider whether to tell the church as a whole
The following are clauses which could be considered in a contract of behaviour with some who poses a risk to children or adults with care and support needs:
Boundaries:
I will never allow myself to be in a situation where I am alone with children, young people or vulnerable adults
I will attend meetings and activities as directed by the Elders
I will sit where directed at activities (e.g. religious meetings, social gatherings) and will not place myself near children, young people and vulnerable adults
I will not enter certain parts of the building designated by the Leadership, nor any area where activities for children, young people and vulnerable adults are in progress
I will decline invitations of hospitality where there are children, young people or vulnerable adults in the home
I accept that "x" and "y" will sit with me during activities (e.g. religious meetings, social gatherings) and accompany me when I need to use other facilities. They will know I am a sex offender.
I accept there are certain people who will need to be told of my circumstances in order for them to protect the children, young people or vulnerable adults for whom they care
I accept that contact will need to be made with my probation officer, who will meet with leaders as and when necessary (where appropriate)
I accept that "z" will provide me with pastoral care.
I understand that if I do not keep to these conditions, I may be barred from attending activities. In such circumstances the Leadership may choose to inform the statutory agencies (eg. police, probation, Adult Services, Children Social Services) and any other relevant organisations, as well as members of the faith community or organisation.
I understand that any other concerns will be taken seriously and reported
I understand that this contract will be reviewed regularly every ______ months and will remain for an indefinite period
Pastoral Care
‘X’ and ‘Y’ and ‘Z’ have agreed to provide you with pastoral care and support; as part of that undertaking, they and the Leadership of the organisation agree to:
Support you in finding suitable employment opportunities which will not bring you into contact with children or vulnerable adults.
Support you in seeking any specialist help e.g. attendance on any Sex Offender Treatment Programmes, drug or alcohol or psychiatric rehabilitation or any counselling appointments.
Liaise with any previous Places of Worship you have attended, with the Prison Chaplaincy Team, or any other organisation you have worked with prior to joining us.
Work closely as a place of worship with any statutory authorities with responsibility for you, such as your probation officer, police public protection team or children’s social services, cooperating with them in helping and supporting you.
Where appropriate, ask for any risk assessment in order to determine how best we can meet your needs while protecting children and vulnerable adults.
Attempt to meet any practical needs you may have, including assisting with options for accommodation.
Support you in joining Circles of Support or any other similar programme.
Provide pastoral care and support to anyone with whom you are living with. We recognise that partners of known sex offenders need pastoral care, and a space to share without judgement.
Be there for you and will support you.
SECTION 5. BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES
As a place of worship working with children (and, potentially, with young people and adults with care and support needs too) 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 accusations.
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/will be developed.
5.1 General safeguarding principles for group or activity
Some general principles for running a club, activity or service include:
Ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect in attitude, language and actions.
Consideration for the number of workers needed to run the group and whether they should be male, female or both.
A clear strategy for summoning additional help (if needed) in situations where a worker is working alone with a child, young person or vulnerable adult.
The level of personal care (e.g. toileting) required is appropriate to the needs of the individual.
Clear guidelines on personal privacy e.g. when working with children avoiding questionable activity such as rough or sexually provocative games and comments.
Not allowing anyone under 16 years of age to be left in charge of children of any age or those attending the group being left unsupervised.
Only workers assigned to the group being allowed to participate in the activity. Other adults should not be allowed free access.
Making a note of other people in the building during the activity and any other events taking place at the same time.
5.2 Adult to child ratios
Most of the activities that Grace London operates for young children such as children’s groups during a church service are not regulated to the same extent as Early Years Provision. However, following good practice guidelines the same ratios will be followed wherever possible:
For children under 2 years old in any group setting, there should be at least one worker for every 3 children.
For children aged 2-3, there should be at least one worker for every 4 children.
For children aged 4 to 8, there should be at least one worker for every 6 children.
For children over 8 years old there is no legal ratio but the appropriate number of workers for the situation ought to be used.
In especially risky or outdoor activities more adults per child may be necessary.
5.3 Peer-group activities (children & young people)
This applies to age-specific groups such as crèche during a Sunday service.
All peer-group activities should be overseen by named adults who have been selected in accordance with agreed recruitment procedures and have the backing of the Elders.
Before setting up a peer-led activity ,the following should be taken into consideration:
The appropriateness of the venue for the activity
Any medical issues, dietary needs and allergies will be appropriately managed. Emergency contact numbers are to hand for all members under the age of 18 years.
If the provision of food is part of the activity, leaders must ensure that food is prepared in accordance with Basic Food Hygiene standards or otherwise was food brought from home by the parent/guardian of each particular child.
The following should also be followed:
If there are children/young people under 16 years old at an activity, adult workers should be present or within earshot.
No person under the age of 16 should be left with the sole responsibility of caring for or supervising other children or adults with care and support needs.
Young people (over 16) who assist with caring for other children/young people should be subjected to the same recruitment process as adults and have undertaken safeguarding training.
Peer-group leaders should be aware of safeguarding procedures, including reporting concerns (e.g. abuse, bullying) to their supervising adult and that sensitive information should not be shared openly in the group.
Parents/carers must always be kept informed about what peer-group activities are for, who the leaders are, how they are run, where they meet and what parents can do to support them.
5.4 Keeping records
Suitable records of children’s activities will be kept for management and accountability purposes.
5.4.1 Keeping a register
At the outset of a child or vulnerable adult becoming involved in an activity, a general information and consent form should be completed and returned giving contact details of parents/carers as well as medical and other details such as allergies or special dietary requirements. Parents may be contacted during the Sunday service using an ID system, An Information and
Consent Form is attached as an appendix. This form should be reviewed annually. A register of those attending a club or activity should also be maintained, together with a register of workers.
5.4.2 Accident log & first aid
All accidents, however minor, should be recorded. In the event of an accident, the parent/carer of a child or young person should be asked to read and sign the accident book. An Accident and Incident Form is attached as an appendix.
A First Aid box is kept in the store cupboard at each of our Sunday venues and our Children’s Ministry staff are First Aid trained. In the event of an injury the worker should alert the Children’s Ministry staff member onsite in the first instance, or call the emergency services (999) in an urgent situation. Parents should also be alerted if there is available time in the circumstances.
5.4.3 Data protection
All safeguarding records will be kept securely in accordance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
Records will be stored in locked cabinets or encrypted digital systems, accessible only to Safeguarding Coordinators and Trustees where necessary.
Records will be retained for at least 75 years or as otherwise required by law, after which they will be securely destroyed.
The lawful basis for processing safeguarding information is the church’s legitimate interest in protecting children and adults at risk, and compliance with legal obligations.
5.5 Discipline & challenging behaviour
Grace London is committed to following THIRTYONE:EIGHT guidelines when disciplining children and dealing with challenging behaviour.
5.5.1 Guidelines for discipline
Do not compare a child, young person or adult with another in the group; rather encourage and affirm and, if possible, give them responsibility for appropriate tasks.
Build healthy relationships and be a good role model by setting an example. You can't expect others to observe the ground rules if you break them yourself.
Take care to give the quieter and/or well-behaved attention and resist allowing the demanding individuals to take all your time and energy.
Be consistent in what you say and ensure that other team members know what you have said. This avoids manipulation.
If children and young people in particular are bored they often misbehave, so review your programme regularly.
Never smack or hit anyone and don't shout. Change voice tone if necessary.
Call on support from other leaders if you feel so angry you may deal with the situation unwisely.
Lay down ground rules e.g. no swearing, racism or calling each other names, respect for property, and make sure everyone understands what action will be taken if not adhered to.
Every person is unique and will respond in different ways to different forms of discipline. Therefore each child should be dealt with on an individual basis.
For those who are continuously disruptive:
Have them sit right in front of you or get a helper to sit next to them.
Encourage helpers to be pro-active rather than waiting to be told to deal with a situation.
Challenge them to change their behaviour whilst encouraging their strengths.
Warn them you may speak to their parents/carers about their behaviour, they may be sent outside the room (under supervision) and/or be banned from attending the group for a period of time.
5.5.2 Challenging behaviour
Following the government-developed national standards in relation to early years and day care, the following guidelines will be followed when providing services to children and young people.
If someone is being disruptive:
Ask them to stop.
Speak to them to establish the cause(s) of the upset.
Inform them they will be asked to leave if the behaviour continues.
Warn them if they continue to be disruptive, this might result in longer term exclusion from the group.
If they are harming themselves, another person or property then others in the group should be escorted away from the area where the disruption is occurring. At the same time, and with a second worker present, request them to STOP. If your request is ignored, you might need to warn the individual that you will consider calling the Police. As a last resort, in the event of them harming themselves, other people or property, physical restraint may be needed until the Police arrive.
The workers involved should always record what happened in writing as soon as possible after the incident. This should include:
What activity was taking place.
What might have caused the disruptive behaviour.
What was said and how the worker and others responded.
A list of others present who witnessed the incident.
Parents should be informed if their child has been restrained.
It may be helpful, after such an incident, for the worker involved to meet with their line manager to talk things through, reviewing what happened and considering whether there is a way of doing things differently so that the incident could be de-escalated avoiding the need for restraint.
5.6 Home visits
Workers and leaders may need to make home visits from time to time. In these circumstances the organisation should issue formal identification to the person doing the visit. An invitation to a worker's home should only be extended with the knowledge of the team/leadership and the permission of the parent/carer.
Guidelines for visiting:
Inform a supervisor or another worker of the proposed visit.
In the case of children and young people never go into a home if a parent or carer is absent unless the child would be at risk of significant harm if you do not do so.
Keep a written record of the visit detailing the following:
Purpose
The time you arrived and left
Who was present
What was discussed
If the parent/carer is absent when the call is made, leave some means of identification and explanation for the visit that can be given to them.
5.7 Outings
If the organisation arranges day trips or visits for children and young people under 18, parents or carers should complete and sign a consent form for the activity. The organisation should also carry out a risk assessment of the activity to ensure all eventualities are covered and all adults in the team know what to do in the event of an accident or emergency.
At the outing, is it important to remember to take a fully charged mobile phone, all essential records and equipment and allocate named children to named pairs of adults.
5.8 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 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 (if any), as part of the letting agreement will confirm that they have their own policy that meets THIRTYONE:EIGHT safeguarding standards.
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.
5.9 Online & digital safety
Grace London recognises the risks posed by digital communication and online activity. The following principles apply:
Workers must not communicate privately online with anyone under the age of 18 (e.g. direct messaging through social media).
Group communications should include more than one approved adult and be transparent to parents/guardians where appropriate.
Photographs or videos of anyone under the age of 18 may only be taken with prior parental consent and used only for agreed church purposes.
Any concerns arising from online interactions (e.g. grooming, bullying, exposure to harmful content) will be reported as safeguarding concerns.
This policy will be reviewed every 12 months by Trustees and Safeguarding Coordinators.
APPENDIX 1
Leadership safeguarding statement
The Leadership of Grace London; the Elders and Trustees of Grace London, recognise the importance of its ministry /work with children and 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 of Grace London on:
29/11/2021
Grace London is committed to the safeguarding of children and adults with care and support needs 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 adults who have care and support needs and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.
We recognise the personal dignity and rights of adults who find themselves victims of forced marriage or modern slavery 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 Grace London 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 adults with care and support needs.
We are committed to:
Following the requirements for UK legislation in relation to safeguarding children and 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 i, need of protection.
Supporting the safeguarding co-ordinator/s in their work and in any action they may need to take in order to protect children/adults with care and support needs.
Ensuring that everyone agrees to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by Grace London.
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 Grace London 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 an adult with care and support needs.
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 adult with care and support needs, then speak to one of the following who have been approved as safeguarding coordinators for Grace London:
Kat Miller | Safeguarding Coordinator
Dilani Wong | Safeguarding Coordinator
Hannah Reynders | Safeguarding Coordinator
A copy of the full policy and procedures is available from the Safeguarding Coordinators.
A copy of our safeguarding policy has been lodged with THIRTYONE:EIGHT.
Signed by the Grace London Leadership:
Signed by: ANDREW HASLAM
Signed on: 12 November 2025