ST GREGORY THE GREAT HORFIELD BRISTOL
Diocese of Bristol

Policy date 16th October 2024
Due for review 16th October 2025

Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults:
Policy and Procedure
“Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from their creation in God’s own image and likeness. Christians have a duty to value, understand and respect the rights of children and adults as people of faith in the life of the church.” Diocese of Bristol Safeguarding Policy, 2018
Contents
1. Policy Context 2
2. Policy statement 3
3. Who is a child, young person, adult who may be vulnerable? 4
4. What is abuse and neglect? 4
5. What to do if you are concerned that abuse or neglect may be happening (including
allegations against people in a position of trust and ministering to those that may
pose a risk) 4
6. Confidentiality and Consent 6
7. Record Keeping 7
8. Safer Recruitment 7
9. Roles and Responsibilities 8
10. Good practice guidance – working with children and young people 8
11. Good practice guidance- working with adults 12
12. Additional related policies ……………………………………………………..……….15
a) video and photography
b) communications and social media
c) hire of church premises
d) insurance
13. Policy implementation and Review 17
Appendix 1 Useful contact numbers …………………17 Appendix 2 Categories of Abuse and additional information … 18 Appendix 3 Safer recruitment guidance …………..22

1. Policy Context
In developing this policy St Gregory the Great Church commits to following the safeguarding policies of the Church of England, safeguarding policy and guidance as issued by the Diocese of Bristol and commits to working within legislation and statutory guidance as related to the Safeguarding of Children, Young People and Adults.
The main relevant polices and guidance documents are:
Church of England:
Protecting all God’s Children 2010
Promoting a Safe Church 2006
Promoting a Safer Church – Policy statement 2017
Practice Guidance: Safer Recruitment 2016
Responding to Domestic Abuse 2017
Responding Well to those who have been Sexually Abused 2011
Responding to, assessing and managing safeguarding concerns or allegation against church officers 2017
Safeguarding Records, Joint Practice Guidance 2015
Safeguarding Records Retention Tool Kit 2015
General Statement on Safeguarding Children In Towers Dec 2015

These documents can be found on the Diocese of Bristol Website here: https://www.bristol.anglican.org/safeguarding-resources/ look under National policies and procedures.

Diocese of Bristol:
Safeguarding Policy 2018
Allegations Management Procedure 2018
Ministering to those who may present a risk 2018
Safer Recruitment Guidance and Toolkit 2017
These documents can all be found on the Diocese of Bristol website: www.bristol.anglican.org/parish-resources/safeguarding/policies-and-procedures and descriptions are given where these policies are referenced in this policy document.

Statutory Guidance:
Working Together 2018: This guidance from the Department of Education describes safeguarding processes and the safeguards that every organisation must have in place, including faith organisations. See the guidance at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children--2
Or online:
www.workingtogetheronline.co.uk

Care and Support Statutory Guidance 2016: This guidance from the Department of Health describes safeguarding processes for adults and the responsibilities of different organisationshttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/care-and-support-statutory-guidance


2. Policy Statement
It is the responsibility of all members of the Parish Church of St Gregory the Great to give paramount importance to the nurture and care of children, young people and vulnerable adults in a safe and secure environment. It is about preventing harm to children and adults wherever possible.
We recognise that:
• The welfare of the child, young person or vulnerable adult is paramount.
• Everyone has different levels of vulnerability and each of us may be regarded as vulnerable at some time in our lives
• All children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable (regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation) have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse which can occur in all families and communities.
• Working in partnership with children, young people, vulnerable adults and their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting their welfare.

We will develop a culture in our church that:
• Enables a safe and caring community to provide a loving environment where there is a culture of ‘informed vigilance’ as to the dangers of abuse.
• Enables and encourages concerns to be raised and responded to openly and consistently and protects children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable from actual or potential harm.
• Ensures all people feel welcomed, respected and safe from abuse.
• Values, listens to and respects children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable, encouraging them to be active contributors to the church community.
• Encourages adults who may be vulnerable to lead as independent a life as possible.

When concerns are raised we will:
• Respond without delay to every concern raised that a child, young person or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, or may be at risk of harm, through abuse or neglect.
• Work with police, local authority and other partners in any investigation, including where allegations are made against a member of the Church community.
• Challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.

If abuse has occurred we will ensure:
• Informed and appropriate pastoral care is offered to any child, young person or adult who has suffered abuse, including support to make a complaint if so desired.
• Supervision is provided for any member of the Church Community known to pose a risk of harm to others.
• Appropriate pastoral care is provided to any member of our church against whom an allegation is made.




In all recruitment we will:
• Carefully select those with any responsibility within the Church (including voluntary workers) in line with the Church of England Safer Recruitment Practice Guidance 2016 (See Safer Recruitment Guidance – Appendix 3) and provide ongoing supervision, support and training.

In our publicity we will:
• Share information about good safeguarding practice with children, young people and vulnerable adults, their parents, carers and all those working and worshipping with them.

3. Who is a child, young person, adult who may be vulnerable?
Children and young people: for the purposes of this policy means anyone under the age of 18 years. Children and young people may be abused by an adult or child, male or female. It is far more common for a child or young person to be abused by a person known to them than by a stranger. This could be a parent, family member, friend, teacher, minister or anyone else. Children may be abused in person or via electronic media, they may experience harm as a result of seeing or hearing the abuse of others.
Where conflicts of interest arise between the welfare of the child and that of adults, the child’s wellbeing must always be of paramount importance and priority.
Adults who may be vulnerable: The Care Act 2014 defines an adult to whom statutory safeguarding duties apply as an adult who:
- Has need for care and support (whether or not the Local Authority is meeting any of these needs)
- Is experiencing, or at risk of abuse or neglect
- 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.
(Care and Support Statutory Guidance 2016)

The definition may apply to anyone over the age of 18 who may not be able to protect themselves from abuse, harm or exploitation, which may be by reason of illness, physical, sensory or learning disability or impairment, mental illness, use of drugs or alcohol. Increased vulnerability may be temporary or permanent and may be visible or invisible.

An adult may be abused or neglected by family (including spouses, parents and children), friends, carers (paid and unpaid), strangers and professionals and members of the community. Those at risk may live alone or may live with family or in a care setting e.g. residential home.

4. What is abuse and neglect?
Please see the table attached as Appendix 2. This outlines the forms of abuse noted in legislation related to safeguarding children, young people and adults alongside some examples and potential indicators that abuse or neglect may be occurring.

5. What to do if you are concerned that abuse or neglect may be happening
You may see or hear something of concern or someone may tell you something of concern (a disclosure). If a child, young person or adult tells you that they have experienced abuse, are experiencing abuse or are concerned that they may be at risk:
Whether a child, young person or adult has shared a concern with you or you have seen or heard something of concern…

If the situation is urgent i.e. there is an imminent risk of harm: contact the police on 101 or 999 as appropriate or contact the Local Authority Children or Adult’s safeguarding Teams:


Your Local Authority name: Children’s Safeguarding Team
Telephone number ‐ Monday to Friday - 01179036444
Telephone number ‐ Out of hours/Weekends - 01454615165

Your Local Authority name: Adult’s Safeguarding Team
Telephone Number ‐ Monday to Friday - 01179222700

Once you have sought advice from police or the Local Authority and the situation is made safe, inform the Parish Safeguarding Officer (Theresa Rice 07827689554) as soon as possible of the concern and actions taken and provide a written record of this. If the concern is about the Parish Safeguarding Officer contact the Incumbent or Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser.
If the situation is of concern but is not urgent: Contact the Parish Safeguarding Officer to report the concern and provide a written record (if the concern is about the Parish Safeguarding Officer contact the Incumbent or Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser).They will decide with you whether to discuss with the child, their parents or carers or the adult and any carers and whether a referral to the Local Authority Children or Adults Safeguarding Team is needed or any other action.
Note: Anyone can report a concern directly to police or the Local Authority at any time.
The Parish of St Gregory the Great hopes that all will follow this policy but where there is any concern that an issue has not been reported and should be or any reluctance to inform the church of an incident St Gregory the Great wishes to make clear that the most important point is that those concerns are reported to the appropriate authority so that they can be acted upon where needed.
If there is an allegation that a person in a position of trust (minister, PCC member, staff member or volunteer) has abused or neglected a child or adult or that such a person may present a risk to a child or adult: The Diocese of Bristol ‘Allegations Management Procedure’ will be followed (copies of this procedure can be found on the Diocesan website and copies are held by the Parish Safeguarding Officer, Clergy and in the Parish Office). In brief this procedure requires that:
• The concern should be reported as above; report should reach police and Local Authority within 1 working day.
• The concern should not be made known to the person against whom the allegation is raised without agreement with police and or the Local Authority.
• Next steps will be decided in conjunction with police, Local Authority representatives (including Local Authority Designated Officer where there is a concern for the welfare of a child), the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and parish representatives (usually PSO, Incumbent and Churchwardens).
If a person is identified who has a caution or conviction for abuse of children and or adults who may pose a risk to others: (usually those with convictions for sexual or violent offences) the Diocese of Bristol guidance ‘Ministering to those who may pose a risk’ will be followed. (Copies of this guidance can be found on the Diocesan website and copies are held by the Parish Safeguarding Officers, Clergy and in the Parish Office). In brief this guidance advises that that Parish Safeguarding Officer and Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser are made aware and that the individual is informed that:
• To support their being part of the congregation as safely as possible, contact will be made with police, probation and other agencies connected with their case.
• The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and Church leaders will need to know of their circumstances.
• That a risk assessment will need to be completed
• And that a written agreement will be needed between the individual and the Church which agrees when the individual will or will not be involved in church services and activities, boundaries of behaviour and support offered.

6. Confidentiality and consent
Confidentiality: St Gregory the Great church accepts the principle that only those with a need to know should be made aware of safeguarding concerns or other confidential information. All staff, ministers and volunteers are expected to share confidential information appropriately and to ensure that written records and verbal information are shared responsibly and stored securely.
Consent: St Gregory the Great church accepts that all people have a right to make their own views and wishes known and that these wishes should be followed wherever possible.
Children: Where there is a concern that a child is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect they may ask those that know not to tell anyone. St Gregory the Great church accepts that we cannot do this; these concerns must be reported to the appropriate authorities to enable the child or young person to receive appropriate help and support. St Gregory the Great church asks all staff, ministers and volunteers to explain this to children in their care when appropriate. Where there is concern that a child is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect, St Gregory the Great church expects that parents and carers will be communicated with and will have their consent sought for information to be shared with the Local Authority or other agencies. This should happen except where there is concern that to do so would place a child at increased risk or where a parent or carer may be involved in the sexual abuse of the child. In those circumstances advice of the Local Authority or police should be sought before informing the parents or carers of the concern. Where the allegation is against an individual who may have access to other children or vulnerable adults the referral should be made without seeking consent from parents or carers - how they are made aware of the concerns will be decided alongside statutory agencies.
Adults: Adults have the right to make their own decisions about their lives. Consent should be sought from an adult before information is shared about them. However, where an adult withholds consent for a safeguarding concern to be shared with statutory authorities (police and local authority), this should be accepted except where there may be others at risk (e.g. is the abuse or neglect is happening in a care home or hospital or the abuser has access to other vulnerable adults or children) or where there is reason to doubt that the individual has capacity to make that decision or where there is imminent risk of serious harm. Advice should be sought from statutory services (Adult social care or police) or the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser where there is any doubt as to whether a concern should be referred.

7. Record Keeping
Records of all safeguarding concerns will be kept by the Parish Safeguarding Officers. They will keep a record of the initial concern and all actions taken. The records will be securely held in a limited access locked filing cabinet in the Church Office. All those involved with any safeguarding concern must ensure that they provide to the Safeguarding Officer any records related to that case for secure storage.
Records will be retained as per Church of England guidance ‘Safeguarding Records: Joint Practice Guidance for the Church of England and the Methodist Church’ 2015 (Available on the Diocese of Bristol website).
St Gregory the Great church does not have access to secure email systems. Therefore great care should be taken where email is used to ensure that confidential information is not open to being accessed by unauthorised individuals. Individual’s confidential information should not be communicated via email (e.g. any information should not make the individual identifiable by name, address etc.).
Records must be maintained of staff and volunteer training and DBS checks. These will be maintained by the Parish Safeguarding Officer.
8. Safer Recruitment and ongoing support and supervision
All recruitment of staff and volunteers will be undertaken in line with Church of England policy ‘Safer Recruitment’ 2016.
Recruitment of staff and volunteers will only be undertaken by those delegated such responsibility from PCC.
Recruitment of staff and volunteers will only be undertaken according to agreed process.
All recruited staff and volunteers will be made known to PCC.
No one who has not been safely recruited will be permitted to work unsupervised with children, young people or adults who may be vulnerable.


In brief: All staff and volunteers will:
• Have all recruitment checks completed and approved prior to starting in role.
• All eligible staff and volunteers will have a repeat DBS disclosure every 3 years. Any lapsed DBS check will require the post holder to stand down until the check has been completed.
• Attend safeguarding training as required by the Church of England
• Attend any other training as decided by the PCC
• Have a named supervisor


9. Roles and Responsibilities
Name Responsibilities
Parochial Church Council • Agree, implement, monitor and review annually this safeguarding policy and all associated policies
• Ensure all staff and volunteers are recruited safely
• Agree and implement supporting good practice guidance and processes
• Ensure adequate insurance for all activities
• Recruit and support adequate Parish Safeguarding Officers
• Ensure all staff and volunteers are adequately trained and supervised
Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) • Respond to all safeguarding allegations and concerns according to policy and guidance
• Monitor and report to PCC regarding adherence to policy and practice
• Arrange safeguarding training and maintain records
• Process DBS disclosures for the church and maintain records
Incumbent • Act as a point of contact should there be any safeguarding allegation or concern regarding a PSO
Church Wardens • Take part in the allegations management procedure when required
• Take part in an ‘agreement’ as per ‘ministering to those that may present a risk’
Activity Leaders • Follow the Safeguarding policy and associated good practice guidance
• Ensure that activities are run according to good practice guidance
• Report any safeguarding concerns as per policy
• Ensure all volunteers are safely recruited
• Ensure all volunteers have in date training and DBS check as required
• Ensure all new volunteers receive agreed induction
• Supervise agreed volunteers


10. Good practice guidance- Working with Children and Young People

10.1 Guidance Context
This guidance must be followed by all staff and volunteers working for St Gregory the Great church.
This guidance is provided for all staff and volunteers to enable them to have an understanding of the behaviours and standards expected in relation to work with children and young people and the provision of activities within St. Gregory the Great church.
The guidance contained within this document is based on ‘Protecting All God’s Children’ 2010 and ‘Guidance for safer working practice for those working with children and young people in education settings’ September 2015.
10.2 Code of conduct
Everyone involved in work with children and young people within St Gregory the Great Church with Church should:
• Ensure that they are aware of the relevant policies: e.g. safeguarding (including social media and communication, photos and videography) and that those policies are followed alongside the good practice guidance.
• Commit to training that is required as part of the role
• Treat all children and young people with dignity and respect befitting their age
• Ensure that their own tone, language and body language is non-threatening and age appropriate.
• Ensure that discipline is maintained without use of threat or physical punishment or control which is illegal for children’s workers. Control and discipline of children should only be given by parents/carers, unless those parents/carers have asked or agreed to an individual assisting with this.
• Ensure that any physical contact with a child is child led. All children should be able to choose what form physical contact takes including ‘no contact’. Encourage handshaking rather than hugging as a greeting with children. All workers must be aware that children should not be picked up, sat on knees or be hugged. Children may find eye contact and a handshake, high five or hand on the shoulder acceptable. Where a child is hurt or upset they may seek a hug- this should only occur in the sight of another adult.
• Guiding a child when processing as part of the choir or serving team can often be difficult if the child is distracted. If verbal instruction is not possible, a gentle hand on the shoulder is the only suitable means of physical contact.
• A child’s own parent/carer should undertake any personal care that a child needs. This includes adjusting a child’s hair or clothing. If a child is too young to put on robes unaided a parent/carer should stay to assist them.
• Avoid taking children to the toilet. Where this is unavoidable, ensure that another staff member or volunteer is informed and in the area
• Use supervision as a means of protecting children and young people
• Always work with or insight of another volunteer or staff member. A minimum of two adults should work with any group of children
• Try to ensure that a mixed group has both male and female staff/volunteers. Couples should not be the only adults working with a group.
• Do not offer personal gifts to any child in the group worked with, any prizes or gifts should be from St Gregory the Great church rather than personal (the exception is where the child is a family member or friend’s child and the gift is given in the context of that relationship).
• Maintain a professional manner as a helper or leader. Staff and volunteers should not ‘befriend’ children or meet with them outside the context of their work (except where the child is a family member or friend’s child and the contact is in the context of that relationship).
• Volunteers should ensure that they do not enter into a romantic or sexual relationship with any young person under 18 and within their care. Care should be taken where a young person is over 18 and has recently been within an adult’s care due to the potential inequality in the relationship.
• Ensure that children and young people know that they can raise any concerns and that they can speak to the Parish Safeguarding Officer if they wish to.
• Visitors who require access to an area in which children or young people are meeting should be accompanied by a known person at all times.

10.3 Arrangements for children and young people’s activities
All activities provided for children and young people by St Gregory the Great church are the responsibility ultimately of the PCC.
The PCC requires that all activities are therefore safely and appropriately managed. Every activity must ensure the following, and it is the responsibility of the activity leader to ensure this happens:
• Have a risk assessment of the activity - reviewed annually or following an incident

• Keep a register of staff and children in attendance, and file historic papers in the Safeguarding filing cabinet in the church office
• First aid - have access to First Aid kit (in the hall kitchen and in the sacristy- should be used only by a qualified first aider), accident book (kept on the wall in the hall kitchen and in the sacristy of the church) and appropriately qualified first aiders.
• Fire safety - ensure that there is a clear fire evacuation procedure – in the church there are 4 fire exits – North East door, South Transept door, Tower door and the main South door. These doors are open during services but not all are open at other times. Those in charge must know where the keys are kept so that the doors can be opened if the church is used for a meeting. In the church hall there are 2 fire exits, two sets of double doors in the main hall and one fire door in the back room, all of which have illuminated signs. These doors must be kept clear at all times. There are suitable fire extinguishers that are serviced regularly both in the main Church and the Hall.
• When children transfer between the church and the church hall they should walk in pairs, with under 5s holding the hand of an adult, with the extra adults dispersed throughout the line. There should be one adult at the front and one at the rear of the line. When crossing the road, the whole party should assemble at the pedestrian crossing and wait for the green man. One adult should ensure that cars are aware that children are crossing en-masse should the lights start to change.
• Ensure that leaders have access to a phone and hold emergency numbers
• Keep up to date registration and consent forms.
• Be clear about which children have parental consent to make their own way home, which will be collected and by whom.
• Ensure that where young children are present there are adequate arrangements to ensure they cannot leave the areas without an adult being aware.
• Complete a log in the accident book for any accident
• Use staff that have been safely recruited and who have up to date checks and training. There will be times when an individual would like to “see” an activity and to be involved prior to making a decision to commit to being a volunteer and going through the recruitment process. Whilst understandable, any such involvement should be for a maximum of one session only and under close supervision.
• Ensure that the space used for the group is:

 Adequately heated or cooled and lit
 Big enough for the activity and number of children/ young people
 Is safe and that any broken furniture or fittings are reported and not causing a health and safety risk
 Ensure that when the church hall is used the outer door of the hall is closed and the safety chain is used. If the fire doors are open for ventilation, please ensure the outer gate is not locked. The kitchen and stage areas are off limits to children

10.4 Young Helpers
Young helpers, those under 18 years of age may require particular support and supervision where they help with activities for younger children.
• Young people aged 16 and 17 should be recruited via the Safer Recruitment process and are old enough to apply for a DBS check where the role requires one. They should not however be given supervision responsibility and should always work under the supervision of another adult. They should not be counted in the ratios.
• Young people under 16 may act as helpers with activities. Consideration should be made regarding their level of maturity and their ability to behave responsibly and to follow instruction. Any young helper must have a clear role and be able to understand and follow the code of conduct. Young helpers will require parental consent to be present and assist with activities.
• Care should be taken to ensure that young helpers are not working with their own peers and that they do not hold leadership responsibility where a boyfriend or girlfriend is in the group they are working with.



10.5 Taking children and young people out

• Visits off site must be planned carefully. These visits must be approved by the PCC prior to it taking place; approval is to be sought.
• Once approval has been given by the PCC an information sheet should be given to parents, this will give full details of the visit including details of the activity, travel arrangements, timings, names of leaders, cost and the name of the parish emergency contact who can be contacted during the visit. This person will hold copies of the medical and consent forms for each child and it is this person who will contact parents in the event of an emergency.
• Parental consent forms must be completed for every child who is taken off the church premises for any business.
• Organise travel arrangements adequately¬: -
Coach companies must have adequate insurance and have safety belts fitted. Recommended numbers must not be exceeded.
• Ensure that where children are transported by staff or volunteers that:

 Consent has been obtained from parents
 The driver has no unspent driving convictions
 The driver has adequate insurance
 There are at least two adults and two children in each car or where an emergency necessitates a child being transported by one adult that the child sits in the back and an incident form is completed.
 The organiser should be familiar with the nature of the conditions likely to be encountered during the visit. A preliminary reconnaissance by the leader is strongly recommended in order to evaluate the site from a safety viewpoint and ensure that assessment of risk, safety procedures, necessary insurance and suitably qualified and competent staff are in place: the organiser must be able to demonstrate that adequate preparation has been undertaken. Using appendix 8, Assessment of Risk, as a guideline, appendix 9 should be completed prior to the visit so that any action can be taken before the visit. The activity provider, where there is one, must have public liability insurance

11. Good practice guidance - Working with Adults

11.1 Guidance Context
This guidance must be followed by all staff and volunteers working for St Gregory the Great church. There are additional guidelines for clergy contained within ‘Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of Clergy’ 2015.
This guidance is provided for all staff and volunteers to enable them to have an understanding of the behaviours and standards expected in relation to work with adults and the provision of activities within St Gregory the Great church.
The guidance contained within this document is based on ‘Promoting a Safer Church 2006’
11.2 Code of Conduct
Everyone involved in work with adults within St Gregory the Great church should:
• Ensure that they are aware of the relevant policies: e.g. safeguarding, lone working and that those policies are followed alongside the good practice guidance.
• Treat all adults with dignity and respect, avoiding any language or actions which may be perceived as threatening, harassment, bullying.
• Exercise care when ministering to persons with whom they have a close personal friendship or family relationship. Ask for another person to provide this pastoral care where appropriate.
• Be aware of the dangers of dependency in pastoral and professional relationships and seek advice or supervision when these concerns arise.
• Ensure that if they exercise a healing ministry that they have been trained in the theology and non-intrusive practice of that work
• Recognise their limits and not undertake any ministry that is beyond their competence or role (e.g. therapeutic counselling, deliverance ministry, counselling victims of abuse and domestic violence, or their perpetrators, or giving legal advice). In such instances the person should be referred to another person or agency with appropriate expertise.
• Avoid behaviour that could give the impression of inappropriate favouritism or the encouragement of inappropriate special relationships.
• Treat those with whom they minister or visit with respect, encouraging self-determination, independence and choice.
• Not assist with physical needs, washing and toileting.
• Recognise that pastoral relationships may develop into romantic attachments and such situations should be handled sensitively. Alternative arrangements should be made for the ongoing pastoral care of the person concerned.
• Not undertake any pastoral ministry while under the influence of drink or non-prescribed drugs.
• Be aware of own language and body language. For example, innuendoes or compliments of a sexual nature are always inappropriate.
• Consider the appropriateness of initiating or receiving any physical contact, for example a hug may not be welcome.
• Where visiting a person at home be careful to:

 Go only when and where invited, and do not follow them into e.g. kitchen or bedroom
 Visit in pairs, but recognising this is not always possible for pastoral and practical reasons ensure that appropriate risk assessments are completed before visiting alone.
 Avoid entering private areas such as bedrooms if possible.
 Only assist with tasks that are an agreed part of the role
 Do not administer any drugs, or take food gifts that may interfere with medication
 If confined to bed, then knock on door before entering (even if open) and sit on a chair and not the bed, leaving the door open
 Do not accept personal gifts of money, If they wish to donate it should be done in an official way through the church
 If you do any shopping this will need an agreed system. E.g. check with family, carer, keep a separate purse, receipts etc.
 Record visits in a notebook or similar
• Not seek personal financial gain from their position beyond any salary or recognised allowances.
• Any gifts received should be disclosed to another e.g. a colleague, Churchwarden, Incumbent, relevant activity leader where it should be decided whether they could be accepted.
• Care should be taken not to canvass for church donations from those who may be vulnerable, e.g. the recently bereaved.

11.3 Arrangements for activities involving adults
All activities provided for adults by St Gregory the Great church are the responsibility ultimately of the PCC.
The PCC requires that all activities are therefore safely and appropriately managed. Every activity must have the following and it is the responsibility of the activity leader to ensure this happens:
• Have a risk assessment- reviewed annually or following an incident
• Pay due consideration to the access needs of all involved
• Have access to First Aid kit, accident book and appropriately qualified first aiders where meeting at Church.
• Ensure that there is a clear fire evacuation procedure from the premises
• Ensure that leaders have access to a phone and hold emergency numbers
• Complete a log in the accident book for any accident
• Use staff that have been safely recruited where a group or activity is specifically for vulnerable adults and or where regulated activity will occur.
• Ensure that the space used for the group is:

 Adequately heated or cooled
 Big enough for the activity and number of people attending
 Is safe and that any broken furniture or fittings are reported and not causing a health and safety risk
• Ensure that where adults are visited in their own homes that:

 The adult and their visitor are clear of the purpose of the visits, the duration, frequency and boundaries to the relationship
 That risk assessments are completed and due consideration made to lone working requirements
 That the adult has the opportunity to have a friend or relative with them when visits occur if they choose
• Ensure that where visits are made to hospitals or care home settings that:

 Staff and volunteers follow the sign in / out procedures for the setting and observe agreed timings of visits (and whether appropriate to the person being visited) and agreed purpose
 That you are aware of what areas are open to visitors
 Staff and volunteers do not interfere with provided care and that advice is sought from the adult of setting staff if it is not clear what the visitor should/ should not do.
 That any concerns about care are reported to the setting manager and reported as a safeguarding concern if appropriate.

12. Additional Related Policies and guidance
a) Photography and video
It is the policy of St Gregory the Great Church that no one should take photographs of children or young people without the written consent of that child’s parent or carer and the consent of that child where they are old enough to give consent.
Where photographs are to be taken consent will be gained from parents and carers in advance, using the agreed form. This will stipulate: who will take photos, for what purpose they may be used, how they will be stored and after what period they will be destroyed.
All photos and videos taken for St Gregory the Great church should be stored securely on devices belonging to PCC. No photo or video should be left stored on personal photography or videography equipment.
No photo will be taken, shared or used for any purpose which shows a child in any state of undress.
Children will not be named in publicity related to photographs or video.
Where an event may be photographed and is open to the public; signs will be displayed noting that photographs and or video may be taken and inviting anyone not wishing to be in any photos or video used to make this known to a named person. The photographer/ videographer will be named on these signs and will wear ID.
Only those delegated with that responsibility by PCC may ask for parental consent and arrange the taking of any photo or video.
b) Communications and Social Media
It is the policy of St Gregory the Great Church that no one employed on a paid or voluntary basis, serving as a PCC member or as a licensed minister will contact children or young people directly via social media, email, phone or text without the knowledge and consent of that child’s or young person’s parent or carer.
Where such contact needs to be made (for example a text to advise of a change of time for an activity) the child’s parent or carer will be asked for consent in advance and the parent or carer will be copied into that communication.
Very rarely contact may be made with a child or young person without the knowledge of the child’s parents or carers (for example where there are serious safeguarding concerns for a child and it would increase the risk to the child to contact the parent). In this case the person making contact with the child must agree in advance with the Parish Safeguarding Officer that this is appropriate, a second adult should be copied into all communications e.g. Parish Safeguarding Officer or Incumbent and must keep a record of all communications and provide these to the Parish Safeguarding Officer for the case record.
Where a group wishes to have a social media account to publicise or communicate regarding their group or activity the following will apply:
• The account shall not be a personal account belonging to any group member or leader; it will be a separate group account.
• More than one adult will be administrator for the account so that all content and messages can be seen by more than one adult.
• All users will be made aware that bullying, harassment or other anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. Information will be available to all users about how to raise a concern about the conduct of others and who with.
• Steps must be taken to prevent people outside the group having access to the names or personal details of anyone who is part of the group e.g. if a group Facebook page is used, the account settings should prevent group members being identified and any message sent to anyone other than the administrator.
• All those in a leadership role will ensure that their language is professional and appropriate e.g. not adding ‘xx’ to messages, not using nicknames that are not what the leader is called by everyone else, avoiding addressing others by endearments which would be ambiguous, such as ‘love’
c) Hire of Church Premises for none Church events and activities (whether a fee is chargeable or not)
Organisations and individual users meeting at St Gregory the Great Church will be expected to adhere to this safeguarding policy or where they work regularly with children, young people or adults who may be vulnerable, to have their own safeguarding policy.
St Gregory the Great church is responsible for overseeing users and ensuring that that agreed hire process and forms are in use. This will include obtaining a copy of the hirers’ safeguarding policy where relevant and providing a copy of this policy.
d) Insurance
The Ecclesiastical Insurance Company covers insurance for activities on and off the premises. The PCC must agree to any specific activity taking place and accept responsibility for such. The insurer requires the insured to take all reasonable steps to prevent injury, loss or damage occurring.
Where children and young people are to be carried in private vehicles, it is the driver’s duty to ensure they have adequate insurance and that restraints and support seating as required by law is used.

13. Policy implementation and Review
This policy is agreed by the St Gregory the Great PCC and reviewed annually.
All staff, volunteers and ministers are required to abide by this policy and associated good practice guidance.
This policy will be made available on the Church website and a copy will be available in the Church.


APPENDIX 1
Useful Contact numbers
Mrs Teresa Rice – Safeguarding Officer Telephone Number 07827689554 Revd Jones Mutemwakwenda - Priest in Charge Telephone Number 01174018680 Adam Bond - Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser 01179060100/ [email protected] Bristol First Response-Children Services Telephone Number 0117 903 6444 Care Direct-Adult Services Telephone Number 0117 922 2700 Police 999


 

APPENDIX 2
Categories of Abuse and additional information
Categories, Definitions and Indicators of Harm
Last Updated July 2017 V3

Type Of Harm Definition Examples Indicators
Physical

Adults and Children Non-accidental harm to the body. From careless rough handling to direct physical violence.
Unlawful or inappropriate use of restraint or physical interventions. Hitting, slapping, pinching, shaking, pushing, scalding, burning, dragging, kicking, physical restraint, locking an individual in a room or a car. History of unexplained falls or minor injuries, bruising which is characteristic of non-accidental injury – hand slap marks, pinch marks, grip marks, bite marks, scalds, flinching, reluctant to undress.
Sexual

Adults and Children

Direct or indirect involvement in sexual activity without capacity and/or consent. Individual did not fully understand or was pressured into consenting.

Note: A child under 16 years old can never consent to any sexual act Coercion to be involved in the making or watching of pornographic material. Coercion to touch e.g. of breasts, genitals, anus, mouth, masturbation of either self or others, penetration or attempted penetration of vagina, anus, mouth with or by penis, fingers and or other objects Pregnancy in a women unable to give consent, difficulty in walking or sitting with no apparent explanation, torn, stained or bloody underclothes or bedding, Bleeding, bruising to the rectal and/or vaginal area, bruising. Behavioural changes, sexually explicit behaviour, explicit language, self harm, obsession with washing, fear of pregnancy may be exaggerated
Emotional

Adults and Children Behaviour which has a harmful effect on an individual’s emotional well being or development, causing mental distress undermining their self-esteem and affecting individual’s quality of life.
Wilful infliction of mental suffering by a person in a position of trust and power. Shouting, coercion, bullying, blaming, insulting, ignoring, threats of harm or abandonment, intimidation, harassment, humiliation, depriving an individual of the right to choice and their privacy, dignity, self -expression, deprivation of contact, undermining self-esteem, isolation and over-dependence. Failure to provide a loving environment for a child.

Loss of interest, withdrawn, anxious or depressed, frightened, avoiding eye contact, irritable, aggressive or challenging behaviour, unexplained sleep disturbance, self harm, refusing to eat, deliberate soiling, unusual weight gain or loss

Neglect

Adults and Children Failure of any person who has responsibility for the charge, care or custody of an adult at risk or child to provide the amount and type of care or treatment that a responsible person could be expected to provide. Fail to meet basic needs including food, environment, access to health care and education, failure to provide for social needs. Unwashed/ dirty appearance, clothes too small/big, untreated sores or infections, isolation.
Financial

Adults The unauthorised taking (theft), deprivation or misuse of any money, income, assets, funds, personal belongings or property or any resources of an adult at risk without their informed consent or authorisation. Misuse of power of attorney or appointeeship. Money and possessions stolen, misuse or misappropriating money, valuables or property, possessions or benefits, undue pressure in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, denying the adult at risk the right to access funds, unauthorised disposal of property or possessions, being asked to part with money on false pretences, Unexplained or sudden inability to pay bills, Power of Attorney obtained and misused when a person lacks or does not lack mental capacity to understand, unexplained withdrawal of money with no benefits, person lacking goods or services that they can afford, extortionate demands for payments for services
Organisational
Adults Involves the collective failure of an organisation to provide safe, appropriate and acceptable standards of service to adults at risk.

Mainly relates to health and social care provision but aspects may be relevant to Church settings Lack of individualised care, inappropriate confinement or restriction, sensory deprivation, inappropriate use of rules, custom and practice
Whistle blowing policy not in place and accessible, insufficient employees training and development. Organisational standards not meeting those laid down by regulatory bodies, service users not treated with dignity and respect, diverse needs not recognized and valued in terms of age, gender, disability, ethnic origin, race or sexual orientation, services not flexible
Discriminatory
Adults Exists when values, beliefs or culture result in a misuse of power that denies opportunity to some groups or individuals. Verbal abuse, harassment or similar
treatment, unequal treatment, deliberate exclusion from services such as education, health, justice and access to services and protection, harmful or derisive attitudes, inappropriate use of language Repeated exclusion from rights afforded to citizens such as health, education, employment and criminal justice
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.
Adult or Child trafficked into UK or between places in UK for purpose of sexual abuse or labour.
Adult or Child forced to work as domestic servant.
Adult or child forced to work as sex worker, farm labourer, car cleaner. Individual may not have their passport or Identity documents. They may not have access to or contact with friends and family. May never be left alone, live in poor conditions, not be able to leave of own free will. May have no access to funds. May not know where they are or who they are with.
Self Neglect A wide range of behaviour involving neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding.
May not react to or appropriately fulfil needs for health care, food, warmth. May live in an environment that is an environmental or fire risk and not take any measure to reduce risk or inadequate measures. Environment which is poorly maintained, dirty, animal infested, cramped to the degree that it places the individual’s wellbeing at risk.
May have untreated or inadequately treated physical health issues.
Domestic Abuse

In 2013, the Home Office announced changes to the definition of domestic abuse:
Incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse by someone who is or has been an intimate partner or family member regardless of gender or sexuality. Age range 16+ • Includes: psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional abuse; so called ‘honour’ based violence; Female Genital Mutilation; forced marriage.


Appears to be afraid of partner or other person in intimate relationship / of making own choices, behaves as though she/he deserves to be hurt or mistreated, low self-esteem or appear to be withdrawn, appears unable or unwilling to leave perpetrator, makes excuses for or condones the behaviour of the person alleged to have caused harm, blames abuse on themselves
Spiritual Abuse Inappropriate use of religious belief or practice The misuse of the authority of leadership or penitential discipline, oppressive teaching or intrusive healing or deliverance ministries which may result in various types of harm. Could be any of the above.
Some Additional Information:
Child Sexual Exploitation: All children and young people can be at risk of sexual exportation. This includes boys and girls of any age. This is a form of sexual abuse. Whilst young people can give consent to sexual acts from the age of 16 (so long as they have the capacity to do so) they continue to be a risk of sexual exploitation beyond their 16th birthday. Any concern that a child or young person may be at risk of or experiencing sexual exploitation must be reported immediately to Children’s Social Care or the police. Sexual exploitation of children and young people under 18 involves exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where young people (or a third person or persons) receive ‘something’ (e.g. food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, money) as a result of them performing, and/or another or others performing on them, sexual activities. Child sexual exploitation can occur through the use of technology without the child’s immediate recognition; for example being persuaded to post sexual images on the Internet/mobile phones without immediate payment or gain. In all cases, those exploiting the child/young person have power over them by virtue of their age, gender, intellect, physical strength and/or economic or other resources. Violence, coercion and intimidation are common, involvement in exploitative relationships being characterised in the main by the child or young person’s limited availability of choice resulting from their social/economic and/or emotional vulnerability.
Female Genital Mutilation: Female genital mutilation (sometimes referred to as female circumcision) refers to procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice is illegal in the UK. It has been estimated that over 20,000 girls under the age of 15 are at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the UK each year, and that 66,000 women in the UK are living with the consequences of FGM. However, the true extent is unknown, due to the "hidden" nature of the crime. The girls may be taken to their countries of origin so that FGM can be carried out during the summer holidays, allowing them time to "heal" before they return to school. There are also worries that some girls may have FGM performed in the UK. Any concern that a child of adult who may be vulnerable may be at risk of FGM must be reported immediately to the relevant Local Authority or directly to police.
Terrorism and Extremism: Any person may become drawn into extremism or sympathy with such views and into terrorism. This will often happen through contacts made via the internet but a culture that supports this can develop in any community, group, school or faith organisation. The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places duties on certain bodies, not including Faith Organisations (excepting where such an organisation runs a school or other relevant premises) to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. Everybody should be alert to any indication that a person or group may be developing or has developed an interest or ideology that may include harm to others. Any concern related to this whether for a child or adult must be reported to the police without delay.
Some Additional Information:
Child Sexual Exploitation: All children and young people can be at risk of sexual exploitation. This includes boys and girls of any age. This is a form of sexual abuse. Whilst young people can give consent to sexual acts from the age of 16 (so long as they have the mental capacity to do so) they continue to be a risk of sexual exploitation beyond their 16th birthday. Any concern that a child or young person may be at risk of or experiencing sexual exploitation must be reported immediately to Children’s Social Care or the police. Sexual exploitation of children and young people under 18 involves exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where young people (or a third person or persons) receive ‘something’ (e.g. food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, money) as a result of them performing, and/or another or others performing on them, sexual activities. Child sexual exploitation can occur through the use of technology without the child’s immediate recognition; for example being persuaded to post sexual images on the Internet/mobile phones without immediate payment or gain. In all cases, those exploiting the child/young person have power over them by virtue of their age, gender, intellect, physical strength and/or economic or other resources. Violence, coercion and intimidation are common, involvement in exploitative relationships being characterised in the main by the child or young person’s limited availability of choice resulting from their social/economic and/or emotional vulnerability.
Female Genital Mutilation: Female genital mutilation (sometimes referred to as female circumcision) refers to procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice is illegal in the UK. It has been estimated that over 20,000 girls under the age of 15 are at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the UK each year, and that 66,000 women in the UK are living with the consequences of FGM. However, the true extent is unknown, due to the "hidden" nature of the crime. The girls may be taken to their countries of origin so that FGM can be carried out during the summer holidays, allowing them time to "heal" before they return to school. There are also worries that some girls may have FGM performed in the UK. Any concern that a child of adult who may be vulnerable may be at risk of FGM must be reported immediately to the relevant Local Authority or directly to police.

APPENDIX 3
St Gregory the Great church safer recruitment guidance
St Gregory the Great church is committed to the Church of England Safer Recruitment Policy 2015.
Safe Recruiting
The safe care and nurture of our children and young people and vulnerable adults is essential in all we do and plan and we need to ensure that the recruitment procedure for all people who come into contact with children and young people and vulnerable adults is as secure as we can make it. It is important, therefore, that appointments follow the rigorous programme set out below.
1. Develop a job description for the particular role. This will ensure that everyone is clear as to what is expected of them and specify whether contact with children and young people or vulnerable adults comprises part of this role.
2. Obtain PCC approval of the job description. The PCC is ultimately responsible for work carried out with children and young people by church members both on and off church premises.
3. Seek Candidates. This could be done by advertisement and/or by discreet enquiries. New members of the congregation should be advised that they are required to attend church for 6 months before taking on responsibilities with children and young people.
4. Provide each applicant with an application pack and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure information for completion (see appendices A - E for copies of these forms) as well as a copy of the parish Safeguarding Document. On their return the Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) will check these forms carefully before proceeding further.
5. Seek references. This is the role of the Parish Safeguarding Officer
6. Interview the volunteer. The composition of the interview panel will vary depending on the position. During the interview the volunteer and those interviewing will have an opportunity to discuss roles and responsibilities and the importance of Safeguarding as well as the need for a 6 month probationary period. At the end of the interview, assuming all are happy to, the job description can be signed and kept on file.
7. Review probationary period. The PSO should do this after the volunteer has been in post for 6 months. If the review is satisfactory the appointment can be confirmed.
8. Appoint and commission, or publicly recognise, role where appropriate. At this time the PCC should be informed of the appointment and it could be publicly acknowledged e.g. weekly bulletin or within a Sunday service.
9. Keep in contact – provide reviews of work and training. Endeavour to develop a regular review period and ensure that the PCC is committed to the provision of training on a regular basis
10. Support and affirm volunteers at all times. Ensure that volunteers are supported at all times and that their contribution to the ministry of the parish in working with children and young people is valued. Provide regular opportunities for volunteers working with children and young people to meet together and ensure that they feel able to raise issues that may concern them.
The names of all people who have been through the full recruitment procedure, including DBS, will be recorded in the PCC minutes. All paperwork will be kept safely and securely, stored in accordance with the provision of the Data Protection Act 1998 and kept indefinitely.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Disclosure Procedures Policy Statement
St Gregory the Great church is committed to the fair and sensitive use of Disclosure Information, and where an applicant feels that this has not happened an appeal process will be available, details of which can be obtained in writing from the PCC Secretary or from the Diocesan Office (Hillside House, 1500, Parkway North, Stoke Gifford BS34 8YU)
St Gregory the Great church is committed to recognising each individual’s abilities, skills, experience and qualifications and will take every step to ensure that these are given appropriate weight and consideration in the appointment or recruitment process.
The appropriateness of a DBS disclosure is assessed for each paid post or volunteer position. Any advertisement or other indication of a paid post or volunteer position will indicate the level of disclosure to be sought. Any offer of a paid post or volunteer position will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory Disclosure information.
St Gregory the Great church will request candidates for a paid post or volunteer position to submit in writing any convictions or other disqualifying behaviour that might be revealed in the Disclosure process in order to assist the recruitment decision process. This information will only be taken into account when relevant to the post in question. It should be submitted in an envelope clearly marked “Private and Confidential” and handed to the person specifically identified for this purpose in the recruitment process.
St Gregory the Great church is committed to encouraging the re-submission of application for Disclosure in respect of all paid employees and volunteers for whom this is appropriate every 5 years as part of its ongoing strategy for the protection of children and vulnerable adults.
Appeals and complaints procedure
Although every effort is made to ensure that all recruitment decisions involving Disclosure information are made sensitively and fairly, should an applicant for a paid post or volunteer position feel that this has not happened the matter can be referred to the office of the Diocesan Secretary (Hillside House, 1500, Parkway North, Stoke Gifford BS34 8YU) who will instigate an independent assessment of the issues in question.
The applicant should submit the appeal or complaint in writing, stating their name and address, the nature of the complaint or appeal, the date of the Disclosure document, the identity of the person or appointing body responsible for making the appointment to the paid post or volunteer position, and any other relevant information.