PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS POLICY STATEMENT

The following statement was agreed by the leadership on: _______________________________

Grace Church Wanstead is committed to the safeguarding of children & adults with care & support needs & ensuring their well-being.

We recognise that we all have a responsibility to help prevent the physical, sexual, psychological, financial & discriminatory abuse & neglect of adults at risk of harm & abuse & to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.

We recognise that the personal dignity & rights of adults & will ensure all our policies & procedures will reflect this.

We believe all adults should enjoy & have access to every aspect of the life of the place of worship.

We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment & selection of those who will work with children & adults with care & support needs.

We believe every child should be valued, safe & happy. We want to make sure that children we have contact with know this & are empowered to tell us if they are experiencing significant harm.

We are committed to:

Following statutory denominational & specialist guidelines in relation to safeguarding children & adults & will ensure that as a place of worship all workers will work within the agreed procedure of our safeguarding policy.

Implementing the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 & 2005, Equality Act 2010 & all other relevant legislation.

Supporting, resourcing & training those who undertake this work.

Ensuring that we are keeping up to date with national & local developments relating to safeguarding.

Ensuring that everyone agrees to abide by these recommendations & the guidelines established by this place of worship.

Supporting all in the place of worship affected by abuse.

We recognise:

Children’s Social Services has lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about a child. Adult Social Care has lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about an adult with care & 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.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

We will review this statement and our policy annually.

If you have any concerns for a child or adult, then speak to one of the following who have been approved as safeguarding co-ordinators for this place of worship/organisation.

Gerard Durcan – Safeguarding Co-Ordinator

Deloris Grant – Safeguarding Co-Ordinator

A copy of Grace Church Wanstead’s policy can be seen on its website & in the church meeting place. ______________________________________

Signed by leadership

Signed __________________________ ________________________

Date __________________________

Safeguarding Policy relating to children and to adults at risk

Policy Adopted:

Review Date:

Section 1 Details of the place of worship / organisation

Grace Church Wanstead meeting at Wanstead House 23 The Green, Wanstead, E11 2NT

Minister: David Gibbs 19 Highstone Avenue, Wanstead E11 2PP

Telephone: 02089896092 Email: minister@gracechurchwanstead.org

Safeguarding Coordinator: Gerard Durcan Mobile: 07902222396 Email: [email protected]

Safeguarding Coordinator: Deloris Grant Mobile: 07533 884222 Email: [email protected]

Membership of Denomination/Organisation: Evangelical Alliance

Charity Number: 1118247.

Company Number: 5899396

Insurance Company: Insvar (Policy Number CHF 2182330)

The following is a brief description of our place of worship / organisation and the type of work / activities we undertake with children and adults who have care and support needs:

As a church we have a number of different meetings. We meet at Wanstead House on Sundays and in people’s homes during the week. On Sundays, anyone is welcome to our main meeting. In addition, we run a Sunday school for children, and in the week we run a Youth Group and Bible studies where adults who have care and support needs might attend.

Our commitment

As a Leadership 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. 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 any attached practice guidelines are based on the ten Safe and Secure safeguarding standards published by thirtyone:eight. (See appendix 1)

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 the operational guidelines attached.
ensure that the premises meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and all other relevant legislation, and that it is welcoming and inclusive.
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.
the Leadership agrees not to allow the document to be copied by other organisations.

Section 2 Prevention

Understanding abuse and 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:

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.
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:

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Detailed definitions, and signs and indicators of abuse are in the appendix as well as how to respond to a disclosure of abuse which is included in section 4 of our policy.

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:

There is a written job description / person specification for the post
Those applying have completed an application form and a self-declaration form
Those shortlisted have been interviewed
Safeguarding has been discussed at interview
Written references have been obtained, and followed up where appropriate
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)
Qualifications where relevant have been verified
A suitable training programme is provided for the successful applicant
The applicant has completed a probationary period
The applicant has been given a copy of the organisation’s safeguarding policy and knows how to report concerns.

Safeguarding 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 will receive induction training and undertake recognised safeguarding training on a regular basis.

The Leadership will also ensure that children and adults with care and support needs 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.

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 adults with care and support needs.

Section 3 Practice Guidelines

As an organisation / place of worship working with children, young people and adults with care and support needs 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 accusation.

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 or in the appendices.

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, as part of the letting agreement will have their own policy that meets thirtyone:eight’s safeguarding standards.

We believe 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.

Section 4 Responding to allegations of abuse

Under no circumstances should a volunteer or worker carry out their own investigation into an allegation or suspicion of abuse. Follow procedures as below:

Documenting a concern – The worker or volunteer should make a report of the concern in the following way:

The person in receipt of allegations or suspicions of abuse should report concerns as soon as possible to:

Name: Gerard Durcan (hereafter the “Safeguarding Co-ordinator”)

Tel: 07902222396 Email: [email protected]

The above 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.

In the absence of the Safeguarding Co-ordinator or, if the suspicions in any way involve the Safeguarding Co-ordinator, then the report should be made to:

Name: Deloris Grant (hereafter the “Deputy”)

Tel: 07533 884222 Email: [email protected]

If the suspicions implicate both the Safeguarding Co-ordinator and the Deputy, then the report should be made in the first instance to:

thirtyone:eight PO Box 133, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7UQ.

Tel: 0303 003 1111.

Alternatively contact Social Services or the police.

The Safeguarding Co-ordinator should contact the appropriate agency or they may first ring the thirtyone:eight helpline for advice. They should then contact social services in the area the child or adult lives.

Name of local authority: Redbridge

Children’s Social Services

Tel: 0208 708 3885 (Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm)

Out of hours Tel: Contact the Emergency Duty Team on 0208 708 5897

Email: [email protected]

https://www.redbridgescp.org.uk

Adult Social Services

Tel: 020 8708 7333 (Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm)

Out of hours Tel: Contact the Emergency Duty Team on 020 8553 5825.

https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/adult-and-childrens-services/report-abuse-of-a-vulnerable adult

Police Protection Team Tel: 0208 345 3615

The Safeguarding Co-ordinator may need to inform others depending on the circumstances and/or nature of the concern

Trustee responsible for safeguarding who may need to liaise with the insurance company or the charity commission to report a serious incident.
Designated officer or LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) if the allegation concerns a worker or volunteer working with someone under 18.

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 Co-ordinator, the absence of the Safeguarding Co-ordinator or Deputy should not delay referral to Social Services, the Police or taking advice from thirtyone:eight.

The Leadership will support the Safeguarding Co-ordinator/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 thirtyone:eight, although the Leadership hope that members of the place of worship / organisation will use this procedure. If, however, the individual with the concern feels that the Safeguarding Co-ordinator/Deputy has not responded appropriately, or where they have a disagreement with the Safeguarding Co-ordinator(s) as to the appropriateness of a referral they are free to contact an outside agency direct. We hope by making this statement that the Leadership demonstrate its commitment to effective safeguarding and the protection of all those who are vulnerable.

The role of the safeguarding co-ordinator/ deputy 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.

Detailed procedures where there is a concern about a child:

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 Co-ordinator/Deputy 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, having contacted Children’s 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 fail to act, contact Children’s Social Services 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-ordinator/Deputy will:

Contact the Children’s Social Services Department Duty Social Worker for children and families or Police Child Protection Team direct. 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.

Detailed procedures where there is a concern that an adult is in need of protection:

Suspicions or allegations of abuse or harm including; physical, sexual, organisational, financial, discriminatory, neglect, self-neglect, forced marriage, modern slavery, domestic abuse.

If there is concern about any of the above, Safeguarding Co-ordinator/Deputy 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.

If there is a concern regarding spiritual abuse, Safeguarding Co-ordinator will:

Identify support services for the victim i.e. counselling or other pastoral support
Contact thirtyone:eight and in discussion with them will consider appropriate action with regards to the scale of the concern.

Allegations of abuse against a person who works with children/young people

If an accusation is made against a worker (whether a volunteer or paid member of staff) whilst following the procedure outlined above, the Safeguarding Co-ordinator, in accordance with Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures will:

Liaise with Children’s Social Services in regards to the suspension of the worker
Make a referral to a designated officer formerly called a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) whose function is to handle all allegations against adults who work with children and young people whether in a paid or voluntary capacity.
Make a referral to Disclosure and Barring Service for consideration of the person being placed on the barred list for working with children or adults with additional care and support needs. This decision should be informed by the LADO if they are involved.

Allegations of abuse against a person who works with adults with care and support needs

The safeguarding co-ordinator will:

Liaise with Adult Social Services in regards the suspension of the worker
Make a referral to the DBS following the advice of Adult Social Services

The Care Act places the duty upon Adult Services to investigate situations of harm to adults with care and support needs. This may result in a range of options including action against the person or organisation causing the harm, increasing the support for the carers or no further action if the ‘victim’ chooses for no further action and they have the capacity to communicate their decision. However, this is a decision for Adult Services to decide not the church.

Section 5 Pastoral Care

Supporting those affected by abuse

The Leadership is 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 the place of worship/organisation.

Working with offenders and those who may pose a risk

When someone attending the place of worship / organisation is known to have abused children, is under investigation, or is known to be a risk to adults with care and support needs; the Leadership will supervise the individual concerned and offer pastoral care, but in its safeguarding commitment to the protection of children and adults with care and support needs, set boundaries for that person, which they will be expected to keep. These boundaries will be based on an appropriate risk assessment and through consultation with appropriate parties.

Adoption of the policy

This policy was agreed by the leadership and will be reviewed annually on:

Signed by: Position:

Signed by: Position

Date:

A copy of this policy is also lodged with:

Appendix 1 Thirtyone:eight

Our Ten Standards for creating safer places

Safeguarding Policy
Developing Safeguarding Awareness and Training
Safer Recruitment
Management of Workers
Working Safely
Communicating Effectively
Responding to Concerns
Pastoral care
Managing Those Who May Pose a Risk
Working in Partnership

Appendix 2 Definitions of Abuse (Children and Adults at Risk)

Statutory Definitions of Abuse (Children)

The four definitions (and a few additional categories) of abuse below operate in England based on the government guidance ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)’.

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. Each nation within the UK has incorporated the convention within its legislation and guidance.

What is abuse?

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

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: a. provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment) b. protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger c. ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate caregivers) d. ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

Child Sexual Exploitation

Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology

Extremism

Extremism goes beyond terrorism and includes people who target the vulnerable – including the young – by seeking to sow division between communities on the basis of race, faith or denomination; justify discrimination towards women and girls; persuade others that minorities are inferior; or argue against the primacy of democracy and the rule of law in our society.

Statutory Definitions of Abuse (Adults)

The following information relates to the Safeguarding of Adults as defined in the Care Act 2014, Chapter 14. Safeguarding, this replaces the previous guidelines produced in ‘No Secrets’ (Department of Health 2000)

The legislation is relevant across England and Wales but on occasions applies only to local authorities in England.

The Safeguarding duties apply to an adult who;

• has need for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs) and;

• is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect; and

• as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect.

Organisations should always promote the adult’s wellbeing in their safeguarding arrangements. People have complex lives and being safe is only one of the things they want for themselves. Professionals should work with the adult to establish what being safe means to them and how that can be best achieved. Professional and other staff should not be advocating ‘safety’ measures that do not take account of individual well-being, as defined in Section 1 of the Care Act.

Link: The Care Act 2014 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/23/contents/enacted

Link: Care and Support Statutory Guidance under the Care Act 2014 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/care-act-statutory-guidance/care-and- support-statutory-guidance

This section considers the different types and patterns of abuse and neglect and the different circumstances in which they may take place. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list but an illustrative guide as to the sort of behaviour which could give rise to a safeguarding concern.

Physical abuse – including assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate physical sanctions.

Domestic violence – including psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional abuse; so called ‘honour’ based violence.

Sexual abuse – including rape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking or touching, sexual teasing or innuendo, sexual photography, subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts, indecent exposure and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting.

Psychological abuse – including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyber bullying, isolation or unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal of services or supportive networks.

Financial or material abuse – including theft, fraud, internet scamming, coercion in relation to an adult’s financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.

Modern slavery – encompasses slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.

Discriminatory abuse – including forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment; because of race, gender and gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

Organisational abuse – including neglect and poor care practice within an Institution or specific care setting such as a hospital or care home, for example, or in relation to care provided in one’s own home. This may range from one off incidents to on-going ill-treatment. It can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of the structure, policies, processes and practices within an organisation.

Neglect and acts of omission – including ignoring medical, emotional or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, care and support or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating.

Self-neglect – this covers a wide range of behaviour neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding. Incidents of abuse may be one-off or multiple, and affect one person or more.

Incidents of abuse may be one-off or multiple, and affect one person or more.

Appendix 3 Signs and symptoms of Abuse (children, young people and vulnerable adults)

Signs of Possible Abuse (children & young people)

The following signs could be indicators that abuse has taken place but should be considered in context of the child’s whole life.

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.

*These indicate the possibility that a child or young person is self-harming. Approximately 20,000 are treated in accident and emergency departments in the UK each year.

Signs of Possible Abuse (adults at risk)

Physical abuse

History of unexplained falls, fractures, bruises, burns, minor injuries.

Signs of under or over use of medication and/or medical problems left unattended.

Any injuries not consistent with the explanation given for them

Bruising and discolouration – particularly if there is a lot of bruising of different ages and in places not normally exposed to falls, rough games etc.

Recurring injuries without plausible explanation

Loss of hair, loss of weight and change of appetite

Person flinches at physical contact &/or keeps fully covered, even in hot weather;

Person appears frightened or subdued in the presence of a particular person or people

Domestic violence

Unexplained injuries or ‘excuses’ for marks or scars

Controlling and/or threatening relationship including psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional abuse; so called ‘honour’ based violence and Female Genital Mutilation.

Age range extended to 16 yrs

Sexual abuse

Pregnancy in a woman who lacks mental capacity or is unable to consent to sexual intercourse

Unexplained change in behaviour or sexually explicit behaviour

Torn, stained or bloody underwear and/or unusual difficulty in walking or sitting

Infections or sexually transmitted diseases

Full or partial disclosures or hints of sexual abuse:

Self-harming

Emotional distress

Mood changes

Disturbed sleep patterns

Psychological abuse

Alteration in psychological state e.g. withdrawn, agitated, anxious, tearful

Intimidated or subdued in the presence of a carer

Fearful, flinching or frightened of making choices or expressing wishes

Unexplained paranoia

Changes in mood, attitude and behaviour, excessive fear or anxiety

Changes in sleep pattern or persistent tiredness

Loss of appetite

Helplessness or passivity

Confusion or disorientation

Implausible stories and attention seeking behaviour

Low self-esteem

Financial or material abuse

Disparity between assets and living conditions

Unexplained withdrawals from accounts or disappearance of financial documents or loss of money

Sudden inability to pay bills, getting into debt

Carers or professionals fail to account for expenses incurred on a person’s behalf

Recent changes of deeds or title to property

Missing personal belongings

Inappropriate granting and / or use of Power of Attorney

Modern slavery

Physical appearance; unkempt, inappropriate clothing, malnourished

Movement monitored, rarely alone, travel early or late at night to facilitate working hours.

Few personal possessions or ID documents.

Fear of seeking help or trusting people.

Discriminatory abuse

Inappropriate remarks, comments or lack of respect

Poor quality or avoidance care

Low self-esteem

Withdrawn

Anger

Person puts themselves down in terms of their gender or sexuality

Abuse may be observed in conversations or reports by the person of how they perceive themselves

Institutional Abuse

Low self-esteem

Withdrawn

Anger

Person puts themselves down in terms of their gender or sexuality

Abuse may be observed in conversations or reports by the person of how they perceive themselves

No confidence in complaints procedures for staff or service users.

Neglectful or poor professional practice.

Neglect and acts of omission

Deteriorating despite apparent care

Poor home conditions, clothing or care and support.

Lack of medication or medical intervention

Self-neglect

Hoarding inside or outside a property

Neglecting personal hygiene or medical needs

Person looking unkempt or dirty and has poor personal hygiene

Person is malnourished, has sudden or continuous weight loss and is dehydrated – constant hunger, stealing or gorging on food

Person is dressed inappropriately for the weather conditions

Dirt, urine or faecal smells in a person’s environment

Home environment does not meet basic needs (for example not heating or lighting)

Depression

Appendix 4: Code of Conduct

Grace Church behaviour code for working with children, young people & adults at risk of harm

Purpose

This behaviour code outlines the conduct expected of all workers (staff & volunteers). The code of conduct aims to help protect adults at risk of harm, children & young people from abuse & inappropriate behaviour from those in positions of trust, & to reduce the risk of unfounded allegations of abuse being made.

The role of workers (staff and volunteers)

When working with children & young people or adults at risk of harm, you are acting in a position of trust for Grace Church Wanstead. You will be seen as a role model & must act appropriately.

Good practice

Treat everyone with dignity, respect & fairness, & have proper regard for individuals’ interests, rights, safety & welfare
Work in a responsible, transparent & accountable way
Be prepared to challenge unacceptable behaviour or to be challenged
Listen carefully to those you are supporting
Avoid any behaviour that could be perceived as bullying, emotional abuse, harassment, physical abuse, spiritual abuse or sexual abuse (including inappropriate physical contact such as rough play & inappropriate language or gestures)
Seek advice from someone with greater experience when necessary
Work in an open environment – avoid private or unobserved situations
Follow policies, procedures & guidelines & report all disclosures, concerns, allegations, & suspicions to the safeguarding co-ordinator
Don’t make inappropriate promises particularly in relation to confidentiality
Do explain to the individual what you intend to do &don’t delay taking action

Unacceptable behaviour

Not reporting concerns or delaying reporting concerns
Taking unnecessary risks
Any behaviour that is or may be perceived as threatening or abusive in any way
Passing on your personal and/or social media contact details and any contact that breaches Grace Church Wanstead’s social media policy
Developing inappropriate relationships
Smoking and consuming alcohol or illegal substances
Favouritism/exclusion – all people should be equally supported & encouraged

Breaching the Code of Conduct

If you have behaved inappropriately you will be subject to disciplinary procedures (particularly in the case of paid staff where the line manager will consult the safeguarding coordinator as appropriate). Depending on the seriousness of the situation, you may be asked to leave Grace Church Wanstead. We may also make a referral to statutory agencies such as the police and/or the local authority children’s or adult’s social care departments or DBS. If you become aware of a breach of this code, you should escalate your concerns to the safeguarding coordinator or line manager (in the case of a paid staff member).

Declaration: I agree to abide by the expectations outlined in this document & confirm that I have read the relevant policies that assist my work with vulnerable groups.

Name: Date:

Signature:

Appendix 5: Good Practice Guidelines

These need to be written

TOTs
Youth Group
Sunday school
Creche
Bible Studies?
One-to-One evangelism

Appendix 6: Concern Form

Part 1: Record of concern about a child/adult’s safety and welfare

(for use by any staff/volunteers – This form can be filled in electronically. If the form is handwritten care should be taken to ensure that the form is legible)^{1, 2, 3}

Guidance notes for Form 1 (volunteers/staff only):

Following are some helpful pointers in completing the above form:

As a registered body the church/charitable organisation is required to ensure that its duty of care towards its beneficiaries is carried out in line with the principles enshrined within the Working together to safeguard children and young people, 2018 and the Care Act, 2014. (Refer to your own church’s/organisation’s safeguarding policy at this point too).
Essential principles of recording the information received/disclosed/observed:
- Remember: do not investigate or ask any leading questions
- make notes within the first one hour of receiving the disclosure or observing the incident
- be clear and factual in your recording of the incident or disclosure
- avoid giving your opinion or feelings on the matter
- aim to record using the 4 W’s and 1 H: When, where, what, why and how
- do not share this information with anyone else except your safeguarding co-ordinator in the first instance and they will advise on who else will need to be informed, how and when.
- make use of the additional information section to add any other relevant information regarding the child/adult/ family that you may be aware of. This can include any historic concerns or observations.
What constitutes a safeguarding concern? – any incident that has caused or likely to cause significant harm to a child can be classed as a safeguarding concern. Abuse is classified under four different categories (with regards to children) as already stated within the safeguarding policy (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect). With regards to adults there are 6 further categorisations. Whilst it may be helpful to record a specific category in the above form, if possible, this may not always be the case. Therefore, it is important to seek advice from your safeguarding co-ordinator or thirtyone:eight at this stage.
Why do you need information regarding ‘other household members’? – It has been demonstrated as important to include information about significant adults in the household especially when concerns relate to children as this has been a recurrent risk factor in several serious case reviews.
Why is the view of the child/adult significant? It is important to give whatever detail is available of the child or adult’s explanation (or verbatim) of the matter to help ascertain if it is plausible and to help offer a context to the concern identified.
Passing information to the Safeguarding co-ordinator – Your safeguarding co-ordinator holds ultimate responsibility in responding to any safeguarding concerns within the church/organisation and therefore it is important that they have oversight of the actions being taken and make relevant and appropriate contact with statutory agencies if required. They will remain the most appropriate link between the organisation and external agencies.

Part 2: Record of concern about a child/adult’s safety and welfare

(for use by Safeguarding Coordinator – This form can be filled in electronically. If the form is handwritten care should be taken to ensure that the form is legible)

Guidance notes for Form 2:

Following are some helpful pointers in completing the above form(s)

Importance of consent from parents/carer or adults (in the light of mental capacity) – With regards to children, consent of the parents is considered important before a referral is made to external agencies, unless of course doing so will place the child(ren) at greater risk of harm. With regards to adults, it is important to be aware that their consent is crucial before reporting concerns onto statutory agencies. The individual’s mental capacity will also be a significant factor to consider at this stage. You can always seek the advice of local authority social services.
Initial assessment- Based on the advice you may have received from relevant individuals/agencies (i.e. this could be school/thirtyone:eight/CEOP etc), what are the concerns categorised as?
Overview of actions – Includes a summary of the actions taken so far and who holds responsibility for it. You can use this section to add on information gathered when monitoring the situation or offering pastoral care over a defined period of time.

Safeguarding Policy relating to children and to adults at risk

Appendix 6: Concern Form

Links to Affiliates