Safeguarding

1.1 Purpose of This Policy: This Safeguarding Policy exists to ensure that Bells of Revival Worldwide Ministries (BRWM) provides a safe environment for all children, young people, and adults at risk who participate in church activities. It sets out our commitment, responsibilities, and the practical measures we will take to protect individuals from harm.

1.2 Scope: This policy applies to all church activities, whether on church premises or off-site (including events, trips, and digital interactions). It covers everyone involved in BRWM's work with children, young people, and adults at risk—including staff, volunteers, trustees, and visitors.

1.3 Key Definitions:

• Child/Young Person: Anyone under the age of 18.
• Adult at Risk: An adult (18+) who may need safeguarding support due to disability, health conditions, or other vulnerabilities.
• Safeguarding: Action taken to promote welfare and prevent harm, including protecting from abuse and ensuring safe practices.
• Abuse: Behaviour that causes or is likely to cause significant harm. Types include physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, spiritual, financial, and online abuse.

2.1 Our Commitment: BRWM is committed to safeguarding all individuals, particularly children, young people, and adults at risk. We recognise that everyone has the right to be protected from harm and abuse. We will:

• Create a caring, respectful environment where everyone is valued.
• Ensure all workers (paid staff and volunteers) are carefully recruited, trained, and supervised.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to all safeguarding concerns.
• Work in partnership with children, young people, families, and statutory agencies (such as Social Services and the Police).

2.2 Church Leadership Endorsement: This policy has been approved by BRWM's leadership team and trustees. All leaders, staff, and volunteers must comply with this policy. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action or removal from role.

3.1 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

• Name: Celina Grant
• Role: Overall responsibility for safeguarding at BRWM. This includes receiving and responding to concerns, liaising with external agencies, and ensuring policy implementation.
• Contact: Available during services and church events; contact details provided to all team members and displayed on church noticeboards.

3.2 Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads:

• Names: Jean-Fidele Ntagengwa and Isaiah Mutabaruka
• Role: Support the DSL; act in their absence; assist with training and record-keeping.

3.3 Church Leadership and Trustees: Responsible for ensuring adequate resources, reviewing the policy annually, and promoting a culture of safeguarding.

3.4 All Workers (Staff and Volunteers): Everyone working with children, young people, or adults at risk must:

• Understand and follow this policy and the Code of Conduct (Section 6).
• Complete safeguarding training (renewed regularly).
• Report any concerns immediately to the DSL or Deputy DSL.

4.1 Types of Abuse: Workers should be aware of the different forms abuse can take:

• Physical Abuse: Hitting, shaking, burning, or any action causing physical harm.
• Emotional Abuse: Persistent emotional maltreatment (e.g., humiliation, threats).
• Sexual Abuse: Involvement in sexual activities, including non-contact abuse (e.g., exposure to inappropriate images).
• Neglect: Persistent failure to meet basic needs (food, shelter, medical care, supervision).
• Spiritual Abuse: Manipulation or coercion using spiritual authority.
• Financial Abuse: Misuse of someone's money or property (particularly relevant for adults at risk).
• Online Abuse: Cyberbullying, grooming, or exposure to harmful content online.

4.2 Signs and Indicators: While these do not confirm abuse, be alert to: unexplained injuries, changes in behaviour, fear of certain people, withdrawn or aggressive behaviour, inappropriate sexual behaviour/language, neglected appearance, disclosure of abuse. (See Appendix A for detailed indicators.)

4.3 Responding to Disclosures: If someone discloses abuse to you:

• Listen: Give them your full attention. Stay calm.
• Reassure: Tell them they have done the right thing by telling you. Never promise to keep it secret.
• Do Not Investigate: Do not ask leading questions (e.g., "Did X do this?"). Use open questions like "Can you tell me what happened?"
• Record: Write down what was said (use their words), date, time, and any other relevant details as soon as possible.
Report: Pass the information to the DSL immediately. Do not discuss it with anyone else (confidentiality).

4.4 Reporting Procedure:

1. Immediate Action: If a child or adult is in immediate danger, contact emergency services (999) first.
2. Inform the DSL: Report all concerns to Celina Grant (DSL) or, in her absence, to Jean-Fidele Ntagengwa or Isaiah Mutabaruka (Deputy DSLs).
3. Documentation: The DSL will complete an Incident/Concern Report Form (Appendix B) and store it securely.
4. External Referral: Depending on the nature and severity of the concern, the DSL will liaise with:
   • Local Authority Children's or Adult Social Services
   • Police (if a crime may have been committed)
   • Thirtyone:eight (independent safeguarding charity offering 24/7 helpline)
5. Follow-Up: The DSL will keep records of actions taken, maintain contact with relevant agencies, and ensure appropriate support for the individual.

4.5 Confidentiality: Information about safeguarding concerns will be shared only with those who need to know (DSL, Deputy DSLs, external agencies as necessary). Maintain confidentiality; do not discuss concerns with others outside the safeguarding process.

5.1 Recruitment Process: All individuals working with children, young people, or adults at risk must undergo:

• Application: Complete an application form detailing experience and references.
• Interview: Discuss their suitability, understanding of safeguarding, and commitment to the role.
• References: Obtain and verify at least two references (including one from a previous role working with children/vulnerable adults if applicable).
• DBS Check: All workers must obtain an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check appropriate to their role. This check must be renewed every three years (or according to the latest guidance).

5.2 Induction and Training:

• All new workers receive an induction covering this policy, Code of Conduct, and reporting procedures.
• Complete mandatory safeguarding training (online or in-person) within the first three months.
• Refresher training is required every two years.
• Specialized training may be offered for those in leadership roles or working with specific groups.

5.3 Ongoing Supervision and Support: Regular meetings with team leaders to discuss any concerns, review practices, and provide pastoral care for workers.

6.1 General Principles: All workers must:

• Treat everyone with dignity, respect, and equality.
• Model positive behaviour and language.
• Maintain appropriate physical, emotional, and digital boundaries.
• Challenge inappropriate behaviour or language.

6.2 Physical Contact:

• Keep physical contact to a minimum and ensure it is appropriate (e.g., brief comforting touch on the shoulder).
• Avoid physical contact that could be misconstrued.
• Never use physical punishment.

6.3 One-to-One Contact:

• Where possible, avoid being alone with a child, young person, or adult at risk.
• If one-to-one contact is necessary (e.g., pastoral conversation), meet in a public or visible area and inform another team member.

6.4 Communication and Social Media:

• All communication must be transparent, appropriate, and accountable.
• Use church-approved platforms for group messaging (e.g., WhatsApp groups with multiple leaders).
• Avoid private/direct messaging with individuals under 18. If essential, copy in a parent/guardian or another leader.
• Do not share personal contact details (phone numbers, personal social media) with children or young people.
• Be mindful of the content and tone of messages; maintain professional boundaries.

6.5 Photography and Consent:

• Obtain written consent from parents/guardians before photographing or filming children or young people.
• Images must be used only for agreed purposes (e.g., church website, promotional materials).
• Store images securely and do not share on personal devices or social media without consent.
• Avoid images that could identify a child if there are known safeguarding concerns.

6.6 Behaviour to Avoid:

• Favouritism or scapegoating.
• Inappropriate jokes, language, or sharing of personal details.
• Arranging private meetings outside church activities (unless with parental consent and another leader present).
• Giving lifts alone in a car (unless in an emergency and with parental/leadership knowledge).
• Any behaviour that could be perceived as grooming or inappropriate.

7.1 Adult-to-Child Ratios: Ensure sufficient adult supervision for activities. Recommended minimum ratios:

• Under 2 years: 1 adult to 3 children
• 2-3 years: 1 adult to 4 children
• 4-7 years: 1 adult to 8 children
• 8+ years: 1 adult to 10 children (at least two adults always present)

7.2 Registration and Consent: Maintain up-to-date records for all participants, including emergency contact details, medical information, and consent forms (for activities, photos, trips, etc.).

7.3 Health and Safety: Conduct risk assessments for all activities and venues. Ensure compliance with fire safety, first aid provision, and food hygiene standards.

7.4 Off-Site Activities and Trips:

• Obtain parental consent and provide detailed information (itinerary, supervision, contact details).
• Ensure adequate supervision ratios; maintain safeguarding standards.
• Conduct risk assessments and have emergency plans in place.

7.5 Use of Church Premises: Ensure church premises are safe and well-maintained. Restrict access to certain areas if necessary (e.g., kitchens, storage rooms). Display safeguarding information prominently.

8.1 Data Protection: All personal data (including safeguarding records) must be handled in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. Information will be:

• Collected and used fairly and lawfully.
• Stored securely (locked filing cabinets or password-protected digital files).
• Retained only as long as necessary.
• Shared only when appropriate and lawful (e.g., with statutory agencies if required for safeguarding).

8.2 Record-Keeping: The DSL will maintain secure records of:

• All safeguarding concerns and disclosures.
• Actions taken and communications with external agencies.
• Outcomes and follow-up.

8.3 Retention: Safeguarding records will be retained in accordance with legal requirements and best practice guidance (typically until the individual reaches 25 years of age, or longer if necessary).

9.1 Policy Review: This policy will be reviewed annually by church leadership and the DSL. Any updates will be communicated to all workers.

9.2 Monitoring and Compliance: The DSL, with support from trustees, will monitor compliance with this policy and report on safeguarding matters at leadership meetings.

9.3 Whistleblowing: If any worker has serious concerns about safeguarding practice at BRWM, or believes that concerns are not being handled appropriately, they should:

• Speak to the DSL or a trustee.
• If concerns remain unresolved, contact Thirtyone:eight (0303 003 11 11) or the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
• In cases of immediate danger, contact the police or social services directly.

BRWM is committed to protecting anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith.

10.1 Internal Contacts:

• Designated Safeguarding Lead: Celina Grant (contact details available on church noticeboard and website)
• Deputy DSLs: Jean-Fidele Ntagengwa, Isaiah Mutabaruka

10.2 External Contacts:

• Thirtyone:eight (Independent Safeguarding Charity): 0303 003 11 11 | [email protected] | www.thirtyoneeight.org
• Local Authority Children's Services: [Insert local contact number]
• Local Authority Adult Social Services: [Insert local contact number]
• Police (non-emergency): 101
• Emergency: 999
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
• Childline: 0800 1111

10.3 Additional Resources:

• Thirtyone:eight: Training and resources for churches (www.thirtyoneeight.org)
• Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS): Now Thirtyone:eight
• UK Government Guidance: "Working Together to Safeguard Children" (regularly updated)
• Charity Commission: Guidance on safeguarding for charities