Revised: May 2022

Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults at Risk
Policy & Procedures 2022- 2023

Safeguarding Policy Statement General Statement
Policy Review
USEFUL CONTACT INFORMATION
St Cuthbert’s Parish Safeguarding Team
Diocese of York Safeguarding Team
Middlesbrough Safeguarding Team
Other Useful Numbers
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Reducing the Risk of Abuse
A Safety Net
Guidelines for All
APPOINTMENT OF LEADERS
Clear Roles for All
Working Together
Confidential Declaration
References
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Disclosure
Appointment Review
Off Site Visits/Activities
Discover or Disclosure of Abuse
Training
Records
External User Activities
Working with Offenders
ADULTS AT RISK
When is an Adult at Risk/Vulnerable?
Categories of Abuse
Good Practice in Safeguarding Adults at Risk
What to do with Disclosures and Concerns
Confidentiality and Sharing Information
Responding to Concerns and Disclosures
GUIDANCE ON ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
Introduction
Cyberbullying
Texting
Sexting
Social Media
WhatsApp
INFORMATION AND SUPPORT

Safeguarding Policy Statement

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on September 6th 2020
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:
- Promoting a safer environment and culture.
- Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
- Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
- Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
- Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
- Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.

The Parish will:

Create a safe and caring place for all.
Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.
Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.

Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

We have appointed Sue Neal as parish safeguarding officer (PSO).
Copies of the parish’s safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk policy are held by Sue Neal.

Signed by:
Incumbent: Revd Caroline Taylor
Safeguarding Officer: Sue Neal
Churchwardens: Alan Proudler
Dennis Ford

General Statement

As Christians worshipping at St Cuthbert’s, Marton we are concerned with the wholeness and wellbeing of everyone, regardless of age. Everyone shares in the task of preventing the physical, sexual, emotional or spiritual abuse of children, young people and adults at risk. However, the vicar, staff team, churchwardens and PCC have a responsibility for leadership in this area, most particularly in providing an appropriate environment and by ensuring the careful selection of leaders and helpers so that the children and their leaders can know they are safe and secure.

Policy Review

The PCC is responsible for reviewing this policy and guidelines in the light of any changes in practice, guidelines or legislation. The PCC shall review this policy annually. It will next be reviewed in April 2023.

Useful Contact Information

St cuthbert’s, Marton in Cleveland with Easterside Parish Safeguarding Team

Vicar
Revd Caroline Taylor 01642 237808

Parish Safeguarding Officer
Sue Neal 07710584290

Diocese of York Safeguarding Team.

Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor
Julie O’Hara                                                                                            07551 124951
Email -safeguarding@yorkdiocese.org or julie.ohara@yorkdiocese.org

Safeguarding matters relating to clergy
The Venerable Amanda Bloor               Archdeacon of Cleveland and Warden of Readers
adcl@yorkdiocese.org                                                                                01642 706095

thirtyone:eight helpline 0303 003 1111

Middlesbrough Contact details
South Tees Safeguarding Children Partnership.

Middlesbrough middlesbroughMACH@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Safeguarding Team 01642 130700

Redcar and Cleveland redcarMACH@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
safeguarding team 01642 130700

Hartlepool and Stockton on tees childrenshub@hartlepool.gov.
safeguarding team 01429 284284

Other Useful Numbers

Childline – NSPCC helpline                                                                     0808 800 5000
Childline                                                                                                 0800 1111
Domestic Violence – Refuge                                                                  0808 2000247
Domestic Violence – Women’s Aid                                                        0117 9444411

Children and Young people

Reducing The Risk of Abuse:

The number of people who seek to harm children is small.

However, the following guidelines are designed to reduce the risk of abuse and to keep unfounded allegations to a minimum.

· Leaders/helpers will be always aware of the responsibility they have for the children in their care.

· The parish safeguarding officer, should be approached if abuse is suspected or disclosed.

· It is recognised that from time-to-time leaders will be meeting with children on a 1:1 basis, for example, youth mentoring; this should always be in a public place and never behind closed doors.

· Leaders should respect children’s personal space. This does not preclude any physical contact, which could be of benefit to a hurt (physically/emotionally) or sick child, particularly the under 5s, or unavoidable in some sports/games, but every effort should be made to ensure this is not misconstrued.

· Parents should be made aware that they have full responsibility for their children both before and after any group or activity. This includes children returning to sit with their parents in church after their Sunday morning groups. If a child is not collected after an activity every effort should be made to contact parents before further action is taken. see the procedures for unaccompanied children section for information about children who attend church without an adult.

· Always have a minimum of two adults (preferably male and female) responsible for each group on church premises. guidelines for the ratio of adults to children are as follows (any helpers under 18 are not to be considered as adults):

Age 0-2 years 1 adult: 3 children
Age 2-3 years 1 adult: 4 children
Age 4-8 years 1 adult: 6 children
Age 9-12 years 1 adult: 8 children
Age 13-18 years 1 adult: 10 children

· At all times, we aim to provide as safe and secure an environment as is reasonably practicable. Activities must be appropriate for the intended age group.
· Risk assessments must be completed for all internal groups and events, as well as offsite activities. An addendum about our safeguarding policy should be added to hire agreements where groups are working with children, young people & adults at risk.
· A registration form will be completed for all children starting in a new group. A permission form will be completed by parents for each off-site activity.
· Children must be given space to think for themselves and must not be subjected to pressure to accept the gospel.
· Groups should not be taken off the premises with fewer than two adults of an appropriate gender, although this may vary depending on

*The age group involved

*The style of activity

*The location

*Whether the provision of adult supervision is by another organisation.

· Where children must be transported by car make sure that only the correct numbers of people are accommodated and that everyone uses a seatbelt and, where appropriate, a booster seat. Please see ‘off site visits’ below.
· As a church we undertake to follow those principles found within the diocese of York child protection guidelines “Children in the Diocese of York” and the principles in the 1989 children’s act. It will therefore be unacceptable for those people in a “position of trust” to engage in any behaviour that might allow a sexual relationship to develop while the relationship of trust continues.

A Safety Net

The phone number of ChildLine will be displayed in a prominent place in the church entrance hall along with the names of those involved in Safeguarding at St Cuthbert’s.

Guidelines for All

There is no certain way of identifying a would-be child abuser. Those who have abused before can be very adept at hiding their previous offences and there is also the possibility that someone, given the right circumstances and temptation could offend for the first time. As much as we would like to think otherwise such things do occur within Christian communities.

For this reason, all those who have close contact with children should be aware of St Cuthbert’s Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults at Risk Policy. This is not about treating everyone with suspicion, but about taking sensible precautions for the wellbeing of all.

Appointment of Leaders

The appointment, training and supervision of leaders/helpers is of crucial importance in each church group and the PCC has a responsibility to provide adequate support and resources to enable this to happen.

Clear Roles for All

All leaders/helpers will sign a role description before taking up the position

Working Together

Leaders/helpers will meet termly to share experiences, concerns and best practice.

Confidential Declaration

Everybody over 16 and working with young people/children or adults at risk will complete a confidential declaration form. This is confidential and will be reviewed by Sue Neal.

References

All new leaders/helpers will fill also fill out a role or job application form, to include 2 referees.

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Disclosure

All volunteers or staff, who are over 16, working with children/young people or adults at risk will be required to obtain an enhanced DBS disclosure. Our DBS evidence checkers are Revd. Caroline and Sue Neal.

Appointment review

All leader / helper appointments will be made by Revd. Caroline or Sue Neal. These will be subject to review by the vicar and PCC.

Off Site Visits/Activities

All off-site visits and activity programmes must keep a written record of authorisation. Authorisation may be granted on behalf of the PCC by the vicar or other member of the standing committee. When taking children off-site letters must be written to parents including full details of the activity. A consent form must be included. No child should be allowed to attend without parental permission. Risk assessments must be completed. If the activity is in a public space only 1 adult is necessary.

If using a private car to transport children, you must always have two adults in the car i.e., Driver + another adult. Driver/owner of car must ensure they have the correct, up to date documentation in order. You need to check with your own insurer whether this needs to include business insurance which states cover for transportation of children in connection with a voluntary group. (Note: there is not usually any additional charge for this type of cover).

If there is an incident and the above is not in place, then you are liable.

Discovery or Disclosure of Abuse

If any abuse is disclosed, discovered, suspected or alleged, listen to the child and do not interrogate them. Never promise confidentiality but explain who you will be informing. If, when you say you will have to tell someone, they no longer wish to speak, do not push them but make a note of the conversation. Write up notes immediately afterwards. A record of concern form should be completed and handed to the safeguarding officer.

Training

It is the responsibility of the PCC with guidance from the parish safeguarding officer to ensure adequate training is provided. E-learning is available to all our relevant volunteers from the diocese of York. It is accessible at safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org

Records

The Parish Safeguarding Officer will keep an up-to-date list of all the volunteers and store the application forms, declaration forms and correspondence. The safeguarding folder will be kept in a locked filing cabinet in the church office. A single central record will be kept in this file.

External User Activities

All third-party groups using St Cuthbert’s for activities with children will be notified of our safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk policy and encouraged to adopt similar standards. This will be audited once per year.

Working With Offenders

Details of known offenders, who may pose a risk to children, will be shared between clergy, assistant ministers, PSO, churchwardens. Policy and process of ministering to such a person will be decided at the time in the light of circumstances. Every effort will be made to ensure that the policy and processes are robust and rigorous. Known abusers will not under any circumstance be allowed to work with children.

Adults at Risk

When Is an Adult at Risk / Vulnerable?

Government guidance:

Sensory or physical disability or impairment
Learning disability
Physical illness
Chronic or acute mental ill health (including dementia)
Addiction to alcohol or drugs
Failing faculties in old age
Permanent or temporary reduction in physical, mental or emotional capacity through life events such as bereavement, abuse or trauma

Mistreatment or abuse can occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm or exploitation.

All church activities which support an individual deemed vulnerable / at risk must follow these five principles:

Presume capacity – that people can make decisions, unless there is evidence otherwise
Support individuals to make their own decisions – giving all practicable help before considering making any decisions on their behalf
Distinguish unwise decisions – recognise that the person retains the right to make seemingly eccentric or unwise decisions
Act in their best interests – in all decisions or activities on their behalf
Take the least restrictive option – in any action that might affect their basic rights and freedoms

Categories Of Abuse

Nine categories of abuse have been identified. Any or all of these may be carried out as the result of deliberate intent and targeting of vulnerable people, negligence or ignorance.

· Physical abuse - the act of physical ill treatment. It may include hitting, slapping, pushing, punching, kicking, burning, biting, suffocating, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate sanctions.

· Emotional or psychological abuse - the use of threats or fear or the use of ‘power over’ relationships to deny the vulnerable person’s independent wishes. This includes threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation and denial of dignity, blaming, controlling, bullying, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal of services/supportive networks.

· Sexual abuse - a sexual act (contact or non-contact) carried out without the informed consent or knowledge of the other individual. Non-contact abuse may include sexual suggestions, salacious exposure to indecent material and indecent behaviour. Contact abuse may include rape and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the adult at risk has not consented or could not consent or was pressured into consenting. Victims suffer emotionally and psychologically.

· Neglect - any pattern of activity or omission, which seriously impairs an individual. This includes ignoring a need for medical or physical care, failing to provide access to appropriate health, social care, religious or educational services, or the deliberate withholding of necessities of life such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating. Also denying contact with family, failing to intervene in situations where there is danger to the vulnerable person or to others, particularly when a person lacks the mental capacity to assess risk.

· Financial abuse - the wilful use or manipulation of the vulnerable person’s property, assets, or monies without their informed consent or authorisation. This can include theft or fraud of monies or possessions, exploitation, pressure or undue influence to change wills, financial arrangements, or the misuse of property, possessions or benefits

· Discriminatory abuse - maltreatment or harassment that is based on any characteristic of a person’s identity, such as their race, sex, or disability. Many of the signs of discriminatory abuse will be the same as for emotional abuse. The impact of discriminatory abuse can lead to significant self-harming

· Institutional abuse - when a culture of poor practice or maltreatment within a setting becomes routine at the expense of good professional practice. It may be exercised through defamatory attitudes, negative stereotyping, and abusive behaviours, which are not corrected. Local authorities

· Spiritual abuse - within faith communities, harm can be caused by the inappropriate use of religious belief or practices. This can include the misuse of the authority of leadership, penitential discipline, oppressive teaching, or intrusive healing and deliverance ministries, which may result in adults at risk experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual harm.

· Domestic abuse - domestic abuse is the use of forms of control and/or maltreatment within an intimate or domestic relationship. Types of domestic abuse include physical, verbal (also called emotional, mental, or psychological abuse), sexual, economic/financial, and spiritual abuse. Stalking and cyber-stalking are also forms of control and abuse. Church workers should remain alert to the use of words, physical or sexual practices to demean and control a vulnerable adult.

Good Practice in Safeguarding Adults at Risk

The following guidelines are designed to reduce the risk of abuse and to keep unfounded allegations to a minimum.

· Helping in such a way as to maximize a person’s independence. People with additional needs can and do lead active and fulfilled lives but some may need support and resources to do so.

· Always respecting the person and all their abilities.

· Recognising the choices people make even if they may appear risky.

· Giving people the highest level of privacy and confidentiality possible in the circumstances.

· Including everyone in decisions affecting their life.

· Creating an environment within the church that can include everyone

The following situations may bring you into contact with adults who may be at risk, such as:

· Working with homeless people

· Food banks and debt services

· Counselling

· Supporting those who are subject to domestic violence

· Lunch clubs or other church activities including providing transportation to and from events

· Bible study groups

· Pastoral home visits

· Community outreach programmes

· Day to day contact with people we meet within our church community

· Our open-door policy during the week

· Regular Sunday services

What To Do with Disclosures and Concerns

Concerns about vulnerable people emerge in several ways. The core actions that should always be taken are:

Take any emergency action needed to alleviate any immediate risk to life or limb
Make a brief factual note of what you have seen, heard or become concerned about (within an hour when possible)
Listen, don’t ask any leading questions and treat all information confidentially
Discuss your concerns with your parish safeguarding officer
Ensure safeguarding action is taken, supporting the adult, if they have capacity, to make a referral

All situations of actual or suspected abuse should be reported without delay (within 24 hours) to the parish safeguarding officer and their advice sought.

Confidentiality And Information Sharing

Any disclosure made by an adult at risk or any concerns that become apparent must be treated with sensitivity and any sharing of information must be carried out on a strictly ‘need to know’ basis.’ the first priority should always be to ensure the safety and protection of vulnerable adults.

It is appropriate to ascertain the wishes of the vulnerable person about what they want to do about the situation, explaining the boundaries of confidentiality. However, care should be taken if telling the vulnerable person what you are going to do could make them more vulnerable or at further risk.

Responding to Concerns and Disclosures

There are many reasons why individuals do not disclose mistreatment or abuse, perhaps personal or family reasons or fear. Some people blame themselves for what has happened or make excuses for their ‘abusers’ particularly where they rely on them for care, support, shelter or companionship. Fear of ‘getting a loved one into trouble’ or losing contact with them altogether may be very real. Consequently, victims may refuse to speak to the police, especially in the initial stages even if the situation is extremely serious

If someone tells you about mistreatment or abuse or you have concerns about a vulnerable person, respond sensitively and provide support. Ascertain what the vulnerable person wants to do about the situation and consult the parish safeguarding officer within 24 hours. The use of diagrams and sketches is often very useful in trying to accurately record a concern. Date and sign your notes and keep them safe.

In emergency situations contact the police, ambulance, or social services directly and inform the parish safeguarding officer as soon as possible but within 24 hours. Make a record immediately afterwards and always let the police know all that you have seen and done in responding to the situation.

Do:

Stay calm, the person concerned is likely to be anxious and need reassuring
Listen attentively and accept what is being said, your role is to pass on the concern
Let the person tell you in their own words, avoid any assumptions or suggesting explanations.
Keep any questions to a minimum.
Record what is said and seen using their own words or actions and discuss with your parish safeguarding officer, Sue Neal.

Don’t:

Press for more details, someone more appropriate may do this at a later point
Be judgmental or voice your own opinion
Do not promise to keep secrets
Discuss the information with the alleged abuser
Attempt to deal with the problem alone, or try to investigate i

These simple actions will help to protect an adult at risk against further abuse.

Guidance on Electronic Communications

· No member of staff or volunteer will interact with children or young people personally / directly on Facebook or Instagram. Contact will only be made through church or youth ministry group pages.

· Photos will be used on the church website or social media only with parental permission

· WhatsApp groups can only be used by young people aged 16+, and with parents included as admins.

Introduction

The use of social media, mobile phones, WhatsApp and the internet are popular amongst children and young people and are a normal part of their everyday life. These methods of communication are efficient and easily accessed but it is important that certain safeguards are put in place by the parish to ensure safety and accountability. We need to keep contact on behalf of the parish via electronic means professional and separate from our private communications.

Vulnerable people often find it easier to communicate via electronic means rather than talking face-to face.

This creates a false sense of security and can lead them to sharing more personal or sensitive information about themselves (or someone else) than if they were talking in person. Abusers know this and those who wish to abuse young people often start with electronic communications in order to bully or lure them into an unprotected face to face meeting.

Cyberbullying

Warning signs:

· Becoming withdrawn, anxious or diminishing in confidence.

· Becoming aggressive, abusive, disruptive or unreasonable.

· Beginning to stammer.

· Changing their routine.

· Starting to bully others.

· Being afraid / reluctant to use the internet or their mobile phone or

· Being nervous or ‘jumpy’ when a cyber-message is received.

· Threatening or attempting suicide or self-harm.

· Threatening or attempting to run away.

· Asking for or taking money.

· Making improbable excuses for their bad behaviour.

Texting

This form of communication is difficult to monitor; workers and volunteers using this method of communication must be accountable for what is said. It would be advisable for a leader who has to communicate often using this method to be supplied with a parish mobile phone or use a dedicated work SIM. Itemised bills can be provide for accountability if requested. The limits as to the usage of texts and the responsibilities associated with this form of communication must be made clear to workers and volunteers.

Sexting

Making, possessing or distributing an indecent image of a child is a crime…

*Young people are generally not aware they are committing a crime when doing this*

Young people also need to be aware of the other dangers associated with these actions and the problems it can lead to:

· Once sent, they have no control over the further distribution of the images.

· They can be the target of cyberbullying (see above).

· They can be the subject of grooming by a sexual predator.

· The above can lead to serious mental health issues caused by the fear of what may happen leading to depression and desperation that can drive young people to self-harm or to contemplate suicide.

Support can be sought from ChildLine or CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Service).

Social Media - What is it?

In simple terms, social media is a set of online tools used to communicate and engage with other people and includes –

· Writing or commenting on blogs.

· Micro-blogging (i.e., Twitter);

· Personal profile pages on networking sites (i.e., LinkedIn, Facebook, google+).

· Using specifically designed “apps” (i.e., Snapchat).

· Reviews of products or services on retailer sites / customer review sites.

· Taking part in online votes, polls or surveys and

· Taking part in conversations on both public and private web forums (message boards).

Guidelines:

· Have a separate Facebook group/Instagram ‘page’ for the parish / group where only business relating to the parish / group is discussed. This needs to be administrated/moderated by the church minister & one or more other church leaders.

· Do not take or post images without express consent (this needs to be given by a parent / carer when the subject of the image is under 18). Parental consent for use of photos should be included on all children & youth registrations & consent forms for events. It is also a good idea to get consent from the children & young people themselves.

· Ensure that the privacy settings are set to a suitable level for the content being shared.

· It is not advisable for leaders to add children or young people to their personal social media pages. Church activity should be conducted through dedicated church accounts on social media.

Golden rules:

· Include parents in all contact- copy them into emails or send the text to them as well.

· Use clear unambiguous language that cannot be misinterpreted. For example, don’t sign off with ‘luv’, ‘xx’ or ‘lol’. Use a friendly, but not over-familiar or personal tone.

· The content of messages should relate only to the group / club/ event attended.

· To ensure accountability, all communications must be accessible to the person supervising the group leader sending them and this must be made explicit to all those involved.

· Add a ‘rider’ regarding confidentiality to the foot of each email.

· Group emails are better than individual ones.

· Any electronic communications which raise concerns must be shared with the leaders’ supervisor.

· All electronic communications should be sent / responded to within set time boundaries i.e. Not between 9pm and 8am.

· Not every person will have access to a mobile phone / computer so ensure that there are other methods of communication too.

· Images should only be taken / shared with consent (from both the parent carer when under 18 and the subject in the image) and should be stored securely in accordance with data protection and not left on mobile phones. This includes images on social media sites or on ‘YouTube’.

· Names of under 18s should not be used when posting on social media.

· Please remember that, legally, if a conversation / comment is accessible to even one more person it is deemed to be published information and in the public domain. It would therefore be subject to libel and defamation, data protection and copyright laws.

· All communications with children and young people should be kept. Do not delete any emails or other message threads.

Concerns

If you become concerned about the content of conversations on social network sites, you should take the following actions:

· If you believe someone is at immediate risk from harm, do not delay call 999 (i.e. If you believe that a young person is on their way to meet someone they met on the internet where you have good reason to suspect they are not genuine).

· Do not close the conversation. This will potentially lose any evidence.

· Always seek help and advice first – if there is a CEOP (child exploitation and online protection centre) button, click on that and follow instructions. Advice can also be sought through the CEOP website (http://www.ceop.police.uk/).

· Ensure you preserve any ‘paper trails’. If necessary, copy and paste any conversations and have these witnessed, signed and dated.

WhatsApp

Children under 16 are not legally allowed to use WhatsApp, therefore this mode of communication should not be used with that age group. However, WhatsApp groups are useful for contacting young people and sharing information. WhatsApp groups should only be joined by those aged 16+ and all church WhatsApp groups with young people present should have at least one parent added as an admin alongside youth leaders.

Information And Support

· Child exploitation and online protection Centre (CEOP)
http://www.ceop.police.uk
some excellent resources including ‘think u know’ training for safer use of the internet (frequently used in schools) and some video clips available on you tube (i.e. ‘exposed’ and ‘confessions’) which are ideal for use within youth groups to raise awareness.

· https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/444865/advice_for_parents_on_cyberbullying.pdf
advice for parents and carers on cyberbullying from the department of education. Contains contact details for providers if content needs to be removed and tips for how to achieve this.

· http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/child-abuse-and-neglect
NSPCC information on all types of abuse.