Safeguarding 

 

Greater Didcot Christian Children and Youthwork Trust Safeguarding Policy

 
The Trust recognises that everyone has a duty to protect young people and vulnerable adults from harm and to respond to concerns about the welfare of a young person. The Trust is committed to the nurturing, safeguarding and protection of all young people and adults in the community in which they serve, and seeks to support all young people (YP) to reach their full potential. The Trust recognises its responsibilities for the safeguarding of all YP. The trust is committed to making sure that all YP, no matter what their identity or background, feel supported and involved. Trust activities and events will be a place where everyone is welcome and has an equal sense of belonging.  It will respond without delay if a YP/adult is at risk by reporting to the relevant authority and will co-operate with any investigation undertaken by the police or local authority.

Equality, inclusion and diversity: The trust is committed to the protection of all YP regardless of their age, sex, disability/special needs, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation. All young people will be supported appropriately, with extra support if required, with their wellbeing, health and confidentiality central to everything done in the name of the Trust.

Reporting: Any complaint made which suggests that a YP or adult may have been or is at risk of being harmed will be responded to without delay, with a clear reporting procedure in place. As well as the statutory authorities, the appropriate denominational bodies will be informed accordingly (Local Diocese / SCBA / OCC).

Safer recruitment: Proper care will be taken in the selection and appointment of workers and will apply to all staff, both voluntary and paid, that are in contact with YP and adults at risk. Checks will be consistent across all churches using the same checklist (application form, interview, references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks). DBS checks will be carried out and renewed as required. Each volunteer is expected to follow the Trust’s guidelines and will be asked to sign to confirm they will follow them.  Each volunteer will ensure that they are familiar with their own church’s Safeguarding Policy as well as that of the Trust. Each worker will be given a full copy of the Trust’s Policy and Procedures, which they will be required to follow.

Training: All workers, both paid and voluntary, will be offered appropriate training, supervision and support. Workers will ensure that they complete safeguarding training in accordance with the policies of the Trust. They will ensure that they are aware of different forms of abuse and how to report them. Any concerns about a child being harmed will be responded to without delay.

Everyone has the right to challenge and be challenged on language, behaviour or conduct.  All workers will be aware of abuse of power, especially by someone in a position of trust and will report any concerns without delay to the appropriate authority.

Community: The Trust is committed to establishing an environment that is as safe as possible, caring communities which provide a loving environment and Trust workers will work to a code of behaviour, so that all children and adults are shown the respect that is due to them.  All activities that are carried out will have a documented risk assessment. Work with YP will be undertaken in a way that promotes their safety and well-being and a code of behaviour will be adopted for all who are appointed to work with YP so that all YP are shown respect due to them. The Trust is committed to the prevention of bullying.

Each partner church will ensure that the Trust is aware of any person they know of who may pose a risk to a YP with whom they come into contact and will be managed appropriately according to Trust policy.

Pastoral support: The Trust will provide respectful pastoral support to any child or adult who informs them of abuse and will signpost to other agencies/local church. Supervision and support of workers will be provided by their local church.

This policy will be reviewed annually.