A Safe Church

Safeguarding children and adults who may be vulnerable

Diocesan Policies, Procedures and Guidelines

Material compiled by Jill Sandham, Diocesan Safeguarding AdviserPresentation by Anette Schroeder-Rossell, December 2009

The Diocese of

Southwark

- A Safe Centre

A Safe Church

Who does ‘A Safe Church’ apply to?Procedures apply to:

all diocesan employeesall paid and voluntary workers in parishesall activities which take place on premises for which the PCC is responsible

The Diocese of

Southwark A Safe Church

A Safe ChurchWhat is ‘A Safe Church’ based on?•Compliant with safeguarding law and statutory guidelines•Follows Church of England policies in safeguarding children, adults who may be vulnerable and responding to domestic abuse• Compiled by diocesan working groups with expertise•Consultation and scrutiny by Diocesan Registrar, Ecclesiastical, parishes, diocesan committees et al•Annual review by Safeguarding Reference Group

The Diocese of

Southwark A Safe Church

A Safe ChurchTerminologyWhat does safeguarding mean?-Promoting the welfare…-Keeping safe from harm, such as illness, abuse or injury -Creating a framework where risks of harm to welfare are minimised-Taking appropriate action to address concerns about welfareWhat is child and adult protection?-Protecting from mistreatment, abuse and harm

The Diocese of

Southwark A Safe Church

A Safe Church

TerminologyWho is a child?- All children and young people under the age of 18Who is a vulnerable adult?- Any adult aged 18 or over who, by reason of mental or other disability, age, illness or other situation is permanently or for the time being unable to take care of him or herself, or to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation.

The Diocese of

Southwark A Safe Church

A Safe Church

What factors may make adults vulnerable?•Age•Physical or mental health•Physical or learning disability•Bereavement and relationship breakdown•History of abuse•History of offending•Substance or alcohol dependence

The Diocese of

Southwark A Safe Church

A Safe Church

Implications•Vulnerability is not a permanent state•Vulnerability is not always visible•We may all be vulnerable at times of our lives•Vulnerable people may also pose risk and cause harm

The Diocese of

Southwark A Safe Church

A Safe Church

Terminology

What is domestic abuse?Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.

The Diocese of

Southwark A Safe Church

A Safe Church

What’s new or different?•Inclusion of policies, procedures and guidelines for safeguarding adults who may be vulnerable and responding to domestic abuse•Standardised diocesan and parish policies•A wider range of procedures and guidelines

The Diocese of

Southwark A Safe Church

A Safe Church

The policies•for safeguarding children•for safeguarding adults who may be vulnerable•for responding to domestic abuse

The document•A template for the centre to adopt as its policies•The procedures and guidelines in the manual spell out the practice

The Diocese of

Southwark A Safe Church

A Safe Church

Key players working in co-operation

•Centre Safeguarding Officers•Parish Safeguarding Officers•Hall managers and bookers•Employed staff•Co-ordinators of work with vulnerable groups

The Diocese of

Southwark A Safe Church

A Safe Church

Responsibilities•The prime duty of care to ensure the well-being of children and young people and adults who may be vulnerable in the centre community•A youth-friendly and child-friendly environment•A welcoming, respectful environment which is safe from abuse

The Diocese of

Southwark A Safe Church

A Safe Church

Responsibilities•Ensure safe recruitment- References and interviews- CRB and following risk assessment recommendations•Ensure risk assessments of buildings and activities•Ensure adequate insurance cover•Review policies and procedures annually

The Diocese of

Southwark A Safe Church

A Safe Church

Allegations and concerns- Work with church, archdeacon and Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser to follow procedures- Work with statutory agencies- Manage the consequences for the centre community- Ensure pastoral care for all concerned is available

The Diocese of

Southwark A Safe Church

A Safe Church

Management and monitoring of those who pose riskoWork with church, archdeacon and Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser to follow proceduresoWork with statutory agenciesoFollow advice on risk assessmentoReview regularly

The Diocese of

Southwark A Safe Church

A Safe Church

Responsibilities •Handle complaints•Ensure appropriate communication, information sharing and record keeping and record storage•Ensure appropriate boundaries of confidentiality and consent.

The Diocese of

Southwark A Safe Church

A Safe Church

Implementation•Centre management –familiarize yourself with the manual for future reference•Use the quick guide – look at sections relevant to you in your role•Identify who your key players are and ensure they are trained•Help Centre to adopt the policies, procedures and guidelines, and destroy all their previous policies and procedures

The Diocese of

Southwark A Safe Church

A Safe Church

Implementation•Key players to set action plan for reviewing safeguarding practice •Publicise new policies•Carry out Risk Assessments•Set annual review date

The Diocese of

Southwark A Safe Church

A Safe Church

What if the Centre doesn’t comply?

•It may be putting at risk - children and adults who may be vulnerable - leaders and workers - the reputation of the church and the centre

•It may not be compliant with the law•It may be jeopardising its insurance cover

The Diocese of

Southwark A Safe Church