Safeguarding Policy

Last reviewed: 30 April 2024

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The nominated safeguarding officers are:

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1.  Joel Rai

2.  Jyoti Limbu Rai

3.  Kusum (Ruth) Kumari Thapa

4.  Sunita Limbu

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1. Brief Church Services

 

Sunday – Worship Service

Sunday – Children will have Sunday School separately

Tuesday – Prayer Fellowship

Thursday – Bible Study

Friday – Youths Fellowship

Saturday – Sisters Fellowship

 

2. Scope

 

This safeguarding policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and members of Jehovah Jireh House of Prayer (JJHoP) who interact with children, young adults, and vulnerable adults as part of their role within the organisation. It applies to all settings where our activities take place, including, but not limited to, worship services, youth fellowship, Sunday school, educational programs, social events, and outreach activities.

 

3. Definitions

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Children: Individuals under the age of 18 years.

Young adults: Individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 years.

Vulnerable adults: Individuals who may be at risk of harm or exploitation due to age, disability, illness, or other factors.

JJHoP: Jehovah Jireh House of Prayer

 

4. Safeguarding Policy Statement

 

This policy addresses safeguarding children, young adults, and vulnerable adults. It is about implementing the necessary measures to prevent harm to children, young adults, and vulnerable adults who are most at risk of abuse and harm. We JJHoP value every human being as part of God's creation Psalm 127:3, Proverbs 31:8, Genesis 1:27.

 

This safeguarding policy ensures procedures are in place and people are clear about their roles and responsibilities for using premises. It is intended to support the church in being a safe, supportive, and caring place for children, young adults, and vulnerable adults.

 

JJHoP commits itself to ensuring the implementation of safeguarding policy and government legislation, guidance, and safe practices, such as the Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, the Children Act 2004, and the Human Rights Act 1998.

 

5. Principles

 

Zero Tolerance: JJHoP has zero tolerance for any form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children, young adults, or vulnerable adults. Any allegations or suspicions of such behaviour will be taken seriously and investigated promptly.

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Protection: We are committed to the protection of children, young adults, and vulnerable adults from all forms of harm, including physical, emotional and financial abuse, as well as neglect and exploitation.

 

Respect: We respect the rights, dignity, and privacy of all individuals, and we ensure their voices are heard and respected. We recognise the diversity of those we serve and are committed to promoting inclusivity and equality.

 

Prevention: We take proactive measures to prevent abuse, conduct thorough risk assessments, conduct regular training and supervision, and implement clear policies and procedures.

 

Reporting: We encourage all staff, volunteers, contractors, and members of JJHoP to report any concerns or suspicions of abuse promptly and appropriately. We provide clear guidance on reporting procedures and ensure confidentiality and support for those who come forward with concerns.

 

6. Church Executive Committee

 

The Legal responsibility for safeguarding lies with the members of the Executive Committee. Ensure the safeguarding policy is always available in the church, along with national helplines and other suitable information. The Executive Committee Must review the policy annually.

 

Executive Committee will appoint one or more Designated Safeguarding Officer(s) who will oversee safeguarding practices, provide support and guidance to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and members of JJHoP, and handle safeguarding concerns appropriately.

 

7. Good Practice

 

JJHoP believes good practice means:

 

7.1  For Children to do

 

Treat all children fairly and without prejudice, discrimination, or favouritism. Respect differences in gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, and disability. Respond warmly to a child who needs comfort. Inform children's parents in advance if any activity requires physical contact. Always place a first aid kit around and ensure a qualified first aid person is always available.

 

7.2  For Children not to do

 

Use any form of physical punishment and show any form of favouritism to any one child. Physical contact or play rough physical games. Ignore or reject, scapegoat a child or group.

 

7.3  For Young Adults and Vulnerable Adults to do

 

Treat all young and vulnerable adults with respect and dignity, without prejudice, discrimination, or favouritism. Respect differences in gender, sexual orientation, race, and ethnicity. Ensure that one's own language, tone of voice, and body language are respectful.

 

7.4  For Young Adults and Vulnerable Adults not to do

 

Use any form of physical punishment and show any form of favouritism to anyone or group. Be sexually suggestive about or to any adult or scapegoat, and reject an adult or group.

 

8. First Aid

 

JJHoP has a number of qualified first aiders who are available at all services. A properly equipped first aid kit is kept on the premises, and all first aiders are familiar with its location.

 

For minor injuries, treatment can be given by workers – preferably by someone who has received first aid training.

 

In the event of a serious accident, the parent must be contacted, and permission must be obtained to take the child to the hospital. If the parent cannot be contacted, at least two workers must accompany the child to the hospital, and another must continue to try to contact the parent.

 

Details of injuries/incidents are to be recorded in an accident book and all workers are to ensure that they know where it is located.

 

9. Guidelines For Working with Children, Young Adults, And Vulnerable Adults

 

All staff and volunteers will receive training on safeguarding policies, procedures, and best practices. This will include training on recognising signs of abuse, responding to concerns, maintaining professional boundaries, and reporting procedures.

 

Everyone who works with children, young adults, and vulnerable adults will receive a leaflet outlining good practices and systems.

 

This Must be reviewed annually by the safeguarding officer.

 

10. Safeguarding Appointments

 

All staff and volunteers who will have contact with children, young adults, or vulnerable adults will undergo appropriate background checks, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks where required.

 

Staff and volunteers will be made aware of the organisation's commitment to safeguarding and the expectations placed upon them in their roles.

 

10.1 The safeguarding officer(s) role is to:

 

Ensure that all staff and volunteers who have contact with children, young adults, or vulnerable adults undergo appropriate background checks, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks where required.

 

Provide support and advise the Executive committee and guardians in fulfilling their roles with regard to safeguarding.

 

Attend training and meetings relating to the role.

 

Advise the Executive committee of any issues with compliance with safeguarding training and policy.

 

Ensure that safeguarding is included as an agenda item at all church meetings and report to the church executive committee annually.

 

11. Reporting Procedures

 

Any concerns or suspicions of abuse, neglect, or exploitation will be reported immediately to the designated Safeguarding Officer(s) or local authorities as appropriate.

 

Staff and volunteers will be provided with clear guidance on reporting procedures and will be supported throughout the reporting process.

 

Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the reporting process, and individuals making reports will be protected from retaliation.

 

12. Responding to Concerns

 

All reports of safeguarding concerns will be taken seriously and investigated promptly and thoroughly.

 

The Designated Safeguarding Officer(s) will lead investigations into safeguarding concerns and will ensure that appropriate action is taken to address the situation.

 

13. Legislation

 

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

• Children Act 2004

• The Human Rights Act 1998

• Data Protection Act 2018

• Mental Health Act 1983

• Equality Act 2010

• Care Standards Act 2000