Safeguarding Policy

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SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN POLICY

Who We Are

NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH is a registered charity. Our charity number is 1050498 and our registered address is:

Hope House
47 Fort Street, Sandown, Isle-of-Wight
PO36 8BA

Application of this Policy

We have adopted this safeguarding children policy and we expect every adult working with us or helping us support us to comply with it. Consequently, this policy shall apply to all staff, managers, trustees, directors, volunteers, students or anyone working for us.

Purpose of this Policy

This policy is intended to protect children who receive any service from us, including those who are the children of adults who may receive services from us. Under this policy, the term children shall mean any person who is under eighteen years of age.

We believe that no child or young person should experience abuse or harm and we are committed to the protection of children and young people. This policy is intended to provide guidance and overarching principles to those who represent us as volunteers or staff, to guide our approach to child protection and safeguarding.

The Risks to Children

Children can be vulnerable to different forms of abuse and harm. It is important to recognise that abuse and harm to children can cover a wide range of circumstances and behaviours. Examples of risks to children include:

- physical or emotional abuse

- neglect

- sexual abuse

- female genital mutilation (FGM)

- grooming and exploitation

- trafficking and modern slavery

- exposure to or infliction of domestic abuse

- bullying or cyberbullying

- exposure to other inappropriate content or behaviour, such as violence or criminal behaviour

- self-harm

- physical harm when engaging in activities without adequate supervision

The causal factors of any such harm and/or abuse can also be wide-ranging. For example, children can be placed at risk by family members or by members of the community.

Safeguarding Principles

Safeguarding children from harm and abuse is an important responsibility. We are committed to ensuring that any child who comes into contact with our services is properly safeguarded. Every person under this policy must ensure that they play an active role in ensuring that children are properly safeguarded.

Every person under this policy holds responsibility for:

- remaining alert and aware of possible safeguarding risks to children

- guarding children against harmful environments with appropriate actions (for example, adequate supervision or ensuring safe environments)

- taking positive steps to maintain the safety and wellbeing of children engaging with us

- reporting concerns expeditiously and appropriately, in line with child protection procedures

- understanding the duty to report specific concerns (and understanding how this interplays with confidentiality)

- challenging any inappropriate or harmful behaviour of any other adult and reporting this accordingly

- acting appropriately in the presence of children

- not taking any inappropriate risks

- not smoking, drinking or taking any form of illicit substances in the presence of children.

Safeguarding Officer

Any question, report or concern about the welfare of children should be shared with our Safeguarding Officer:

Name: JOYCE LYNAS/ LUCY NICHOLAS

Email: joycelynas310@gmail.com / lucynich14@gmail.com

Telephone:07739 382733/ 07436 196229

Confidentiality and Data Protection

All personal information we may process relating to children shall be processed and stored in accordance with our data protection privacy policy.

Responding to a Safeguarding Concern

Where a child is at immediate risk of serious harm, any adult present should call 999. Thereafter, the Safeguarding Officer should be contacted as soon as reasonably practicable.

Where there is a safeguarding concern but no immediate risk of serious harm, the adult who has heard or witnessed this concern should consult with the Safeguarding Officer as soon as practicable and by no later than the end of that same day.

Where any child makes a disclosure relating to harm or abuse to an adult, it is important for that adult to:

- listen calmly and carefully, to show that their views are taken seriously

- provide an appropriate and honest level of reassurance

- avoid interrogating children and asking probing, intrusive and/or leading questions

- avoid making false promises regarding secrets and confidentiality with the child (because any concern of abuse/harm must be shared with the Safeguarding Officer and any subsequent safeguarding referral)

- make a confidential written record of the discussion either during the discussion or immediately afterwards. The record should include the key details of the disclosure together with any relevant times, dates, places and people concerned. Audio and video recordings of children making disclosures should be avoided

- refer all relevant information to the Safeguarding Officer as soon as practicable afterwards, and by no later than the end of the day

Upon receipt of any safeguarding concern, the Safeguarding Officer shall consult with any other relevant persons and will make any appropriate referrals to the relevant authorities, such as the applicable Local Authority Children's Services department.

 
Reporting Concerns About Other Adults

If there is a concern that another adult staff is or may be:

- harming a child either physically or emotionally

- exposing a child to behaviour which may cause physical or emotional harm

- engaging in criminal activity concerning a child

this must be raised in the first instance with the Safeguarding Officer (or where this is not appropriate, a different senior member of the organisation) so that the next appropriate steps may be agreed and actioned. We recognise that there could be circumstances where a person may need to report a matter that has taken place in a setting outside of the person's engagement with us.

Usually, any appropriate steps following a safeguarding referral in respect of an individual connected to us will include either:

- further initial enquiries

- escalation to the applicable Local Authority Children's Services department for assessment and/or the police for investigation

- instigation of any appropriate disciplinary, formal investigation processes and suspension of the individual concerned

- a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service, or any other relevant regulatory bodies

Any person working for us who has allegations made against them shall be informed properly in a formal meeting of the particulars of the allegations and the relevant next steps which shall be taken. Such a meeting should ordinarily be held by the Safeguarding Officer. On certain occasions, such a meeting may not be convened until this has been approved by any authorities involved (such as the police or the relevant Local Authority).

Any person who has had allegations made against them shall be treated fairly. All enquiries, investigations and decisions taken shall be just and fair, with the safety of any child concerned at the heart of the process.

Any person who makes an allegation against another person shall be listened to, taken seriously and shall be treated fairly and justly throughout the process of enquiries, investigations and decision making.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks and Reporting

DBS checks under the appropriate legislation should be undertaken wherever required for any position of paid or unpaid work for us.

Wherever we deem it is necessary and appropriate to remove any individual from a position of work in an activity that is regulated under the relevant legislation, we shall also be obliged to make a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Safeguarding Children

Responsibilities and Planning

Although the Safeguarding Officer will hold ultimate responsibility for overseeing the safety of children, all individuals under this policy must also play an active role in ensuring the safety of children at all times.

Where a certain type of event, activity or trip is taking place, we may issue an additional code of conduct, policy, or some specific other requirements which is specific to that occasion. Any such additional documentation will be made available to all those concerned (staff members, parents, guardians etc.) in advance. They should be read carefully and adhered to.

Appropriate background checks shall be undertaken in relation to any adult who is engaged by us, wherever we are legally required to do so (see the relevant section above).

Venues

We have carried out a health and safety risk assessment in relation to the premises, in reference to its safety and suitability for children. Where any events, activities or trips are to take place at other locations, we shall also carry out a further risk assessment.

The location for any events, activities and trips which are held by us shall always be risk-assessed properly in reference to the suitability and safety of children. Fire and safety procedures and precautions shall be made clear to all those involved.

First Aid

Any accident or injury concerning a child should:

- be dealt with in accordance with usual first aid procedures

- be brought to the attention of the nearest first aider and should thereafter be formally reported to the Safeguarding Officer.

Consent Forms

We will always obtain written consent from a parent or guardian where appropriate.

Consent forms will include emergency contact details and will set out any specific safety needs/requirements for children.

All consent forms will be kept secure and shall be stored in accordance with our data protection privacy policy.

Supervision

Parents, guardians or responsible adults may attend events and activities with their children. They should ensure that children are properly supervised at all times.

We will always ensure that children are adequately supervised at our events if they are attending without a parent, guardian or responsible adult. We will follow all relevant legal provisions and guidelines in relation to the matter of supervision.

Managing the Behaviour of Children Generally

Whenever any adult engaged by us is faced with challenging or inappropriate behaviour from a child or with conflict between children, they must:

- treat each child fairly and equally

- approach the situation in a calm and neutral manner

- only ever use physical restraint/intervention in order to protect the immediate safety of a person, for example, to prevent an injury or harm either to the child or others

- wherever it is justified to physically restrain a child or to physically intervene, the amount of force used should be kept to the absolute minimum taking into account the risk posed

- make a written record of the incident and ensure this is reported appropriately to the Safeguarding Officer

Managing Risks Posed by Other Children

It is important for all adults engaged by us to recognise that children can face harm from their peers. This can commonly take the form of bullying. Bullying can be defined as any behaviour which is:

- repeated; and

- has the intention of hurting somebody either physically or emotionally.

Bullying can sometimes be motivated by prejudices based on certain groups, for example, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation. Bullying can often include:

- physical harm perpetrated against another child

- name calling and threats

- cyberbullying (threats and abusive comments made via technology)

Any instance of bullying or concern relating to possible bullying between children at any event or activities arranged by us will usually treated seriously.

We will conduct an investigation into the relevant facts before any conclusions or recommendations can be made.

All steps in relation to the prevention or management of bullying should be taken in consultation with the Safeguarding Officer.

Photography

Our Photographs

On some occasions, we may take photographs featuring children. We recognise that photography of children carries risks, such as:

- the potential for images to be re-used, shared or adapted in a damaging or inappropriate manner

- the general risk of sharing images and the impact this could have on child's public image as they grow older

In view of these risks, we will:

- always ask for written permission from a child and their parent/guardian before taking and sharing any image of them

- always ensure that a child and their parent/guardian are properly informed how an image will be used and shared

- always ensure that a child's identity is protected as far as is possible within any published material

- ask that parents, guardians, children and any other person connected to them who may wish to share any of our published images which features other children to refrain from doing so unless they have the permission of the other children and their parent/guardian

- always store photos in accordance with our data protection policy.

Members of the Public

We also recognise that members of the public may take photographs when they are attending our premises, events or activities.

We ask that any parents, guardians and other members of the public take the following into consideration when taking photos at our premises, events or activities:

- images of other children should not be shared on social media without the permission of any children who feature in the images (where ascertainable), together with the permission of the children's parent/guardian

- images which are shared on social media should be shared cautiously, with the appropriate privacy and security settings in place.

Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up in accordance with all relevant and applicable legislation and guidance available to us in the jurisdictions we operate within.

This Policy will be reviewed regularly and may be updated from time to time.

ADULT SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Hope House

47 Fort Street, Sandown, Isle-of-Wight

PO36 8BA

Commitment to Safety

1. NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW (the 'Organisation') works actively to prevent harm and promote the welfare of all adults at risk that we interact with (i.e. as NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW’s service users). This Safeguarding Policy applies to individuals referred to as 'Beneficiaries'.

2. The Organisation is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all the Beneficiaries, free from discrimination based on age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.

3. This Safeguarding Policy adheres to the latest safeguarding laws of England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, including relevant government guidance. If there is any conflict between this Policy and these laws, NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW will always prioritise upholding the legal requirements.

4. NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW has implemented this Safeguarding Policy in fulfilment of its obligations as a charity regulated by the Charity Commission for England and Wales (NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW is registered with the Charity Commission with charity number 1050498).

5. For questions about this policy, please contact 07739382733in the first instance, via email joycelynas310@gmail.com or via phone 07739 382733.

Safeguarding Policy Scope

6. This Policy applies to everyone working for or representing NEW HOPE

INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW in the UK, regardless of position, employment type (full-time, part-time, temporary), or affiliation

(direct employee, contractor, volunteer, intern; collectively 'Staff Members').

7. This Policy is separate from employment contracts. To ensure its effectiveness, NEW

HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW may revise the Policy at any time. We will communicate any changes transparently.

8. This Policy outlines NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW'sapproach to harm prevention for its Beneficiaries through Staff Member's conduct and practices.

9. This Safeguarding Policy applies to the organisation and operation of all NEW HOPE

INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW activities that involve adults at risk (i.e. Relevant Activities). These primarily include:

a. PASTORAL CARE

b. MENS BREAKFAST

c. LUNCHEON CLUB

d. YOUTH AND CHILDREN'S WORK

Safeguarding Definition

10. The term 'Safeguarding' refers to practices and procedures designed to protect

vulnerable individuals from harm or potential harm. It also promotes their overall wellbeing. Safeguarding is particularly crucial for children and adults at risk, with most legal obligations related to their care. This Policy specifically addresses adults at risk

safeguarding, defining adults at risk as individuals 18 years old or over (in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) or 16 years old or over (in Scotland) who require care and support, and due to this, are unable to protect themselves from harm (e.g. illness, disability). This can be temporary or permanent.

11. This Safeguarding Policy outlines NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW's commitment to protecting its beneficiaries from harm caused by:

a. NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW activities, practices, and the potential for harm arising from the conduct of its Staff Members, or

b. People and situations beyond (NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW) and its Staff Members' control. This includes instances where Staff Members are aware of, ought to be aware of, or reasonably suspect a situation that poses a safeguarding risk.

12. This policy defines a 'Safeguarding Concern' as any conduct or situation that a Staff Member or someone else suspects might violate the safeguarding commitments above.

How NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW Protects Its Beneficiaries: Key Safeguarding Measures

13. Prioritising safeguarding adults by applying leadership and guidance provided by local

Safeguarding Adults Boards

14. All Staff Members will receive training on identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns. Also, NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOWencourages them to report any Safeguarding Concerns they identify (set out below under the heading 'Procedures: Reporting').

15. We create a safe, accessible, fair, and efficient space for all Staff Members to raise

safeguarding concerns (colleagues, beneficiaries, or anyone else involved). We expect all staff to listen attentively and professionally. Training will equip Staff Members to support those raising concerns and guide them through NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW's established reporting procedures. All reported concerns will be handled by designated individuals and teams following NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW relevant procedures (detailed below under 'Procedures: Investigation and Response').

a. NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW has fair and objective procedures to address all safeguarding concerns, even when they involve Staff Members. Allegations are taken seriously, with the severity of the claims considered throughout the process. We are committed to protecting all parties involved.

This means we will only presume guilt or publicly criticise people once a thorough investigation is completed.

b. Reports that qualify as protected disclosures under whistleblowing law will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and following all relevant whistleblowing policies law.

16. JOYCE LYNAS is designated as the lead for safeguarding policies and procedures

within NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW.

17. Following appropriate recruitment processes for all new staff members, including volunteers. These processes include:

a. Conducting pre-employment checks following relevant regulations.

b. All new Staff Members must take part in, and understand the content of, all necessary safeguarding training before having any contact with NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW Beneficiaries. This training equips them with the knowledge and skills to keep everyone safe.

c. Following NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW'sstaff recruitment and selection procedures.

18. Every Staff Member should be provided with, and required to undertake, training that is appropriate to their role, responsibilities, and degree and type of contact with Beneficiaries. This should, if appropriate, include training on:

a. Identify and respond to abuse by recognising signs of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

b. Learn active listening skills and how to navigate disclosure of safeguarding concerns, including confidentiality.

c. Follow reporting procedures by understanding when and how to report concerns using NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW's established procedures.

d. Stay informed by discovering additional resources like policies, documents, and external training to stay up-to-date on safeguarding best practices.

e. On line safety

19. Treating all safeguarding information with the utmost confidentiality and security. 

This involves:

a. Complying with UK data protection legislation, including The UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

b. Following NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW's data protection policies and procedures.

c. Providing Staff Members with training on data protection and privacy, if appropriate.

d. Making easy to access BENJAMIN BROWN, who can be contacted by emailing pastor@newhopeinternationalchurch.org.uk or at 01983 408388 for Staff Members as an identifiable point of contact for questions or concerns about data protection and privacy.

e. Sharing safeguarding information internally ONLY on a strict need-to-know basis to ensure the best possible care for the beneficiary involved.

20. Building a safe environment by creating a culture of transparency and awareness to prevent harm. For example:

a. Encourage open communication by informing beneficiaries about NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW’s safeguarding procedures and how to report any concerns.

b. Acknowledge by the Staff Members of safeguarding laws, NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW’s safeguarding commitments and procedures, and Staff Members' responsibilities concerning these.

21. Regularly reviewing all safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure that they are up-to-date with safeguarding law and that they remain suitable for NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW’s Relevant Activities and workforce, and meeting any review and evaluation requirements specific to NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW 's industry and organisation type.

Staff Members' Responsibilities

22. All Staff Members are responsible for promoting the safety and well-being of all of

NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW’s Beneficiaries by following all of NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW

RYDE/SANDOWN ISLE OF WIGHT's policies and procedures relevant to safeguarding and all UK laws relevant to safeguarding. Specifically:

a. All Staff Members at NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOWplay a role in keeping Beneficiaries safe and every role will be covered in detail during training. In case of doubt, it is important to contact 07739382733 to clarify any aspect of roles and responsibilities.

b. Encourage all Staff Members to actively participate and ask questions if anything is unclear to 07739382733.

c. Do not risk the safety or well-being of any of NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW’s Beneficiaries by avoiding any of the next situations:

i. Subjecting them to or facilitating abuse of any sort.

ii. Engaging in any sexual activity with children (i.e. anybody under the age of 18).

iii. Participating in or facilitating any activities that may commercially exploit Beneficiaries. For example, failing to report suspected child labour or trafficking.

d. Staff Members must report all Safeguarding Concerns that they have regarding

Beneficiaries' safety, regardless of whether the concerns relate to potential wrongdoing of other Staff Members, other Beneficiaries, or external parties (e.g. parents, teachers, other organisations, or members of the public).

Procedures: Reporting

23. To ensure the safety of NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW Beneficiaries, Staff Members will be trained to recognise potential safeguarding concerns like abuse, neglect, and threats to well-being.

24. Staff Members who identify a safeguarding concern should report it following the next steps:

a. Benjamin Brown Church Minister

Joyce Lynas Safeguarding Officer

Lucy Nicholas Safeguarding Officer

25. Staff Members unable to follow the standard reporting steps should still report the concern in another alternative way. This may be the case if, for example:

a. Contacting someone potentially involved in the concern, or someone the Staff

Member feels uncomfortable approaching, or

b. In emergencies involving a risk of serious harm, contact emergency services (e.g.

police, ambulance, mental health crisis line) directly, or, if appropriate, report the concern to a senior member of NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW’s staff.

Procedures: Investigation and Response

26. All Reported Safeguarding Concerns at NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH IOW are treated seriously and addressed promptly by trained personnel following the established procedures and relevant laws. For more details about these procedures, please contact 07739382733.

27. We aim to keep Staff Members who report a Safeguarding Concern informed about its progress as much as possible, depending on the nature of the concern and the confidentiality of the investigations.

28. In case of breach of this Safeguarding Policy or safeguarding law in general by a Staff Member, they will be treated fairly and will only be dismissed if appropriate in the circumstances and in accordance with employment law.

29. External referrals or notifications (e.g. to police services, local authorities, or regulatory bodies) will only be made when deemed necessary and strictly following applicable laws, including data protection regulations, to ensure the safety and well-being of Beneficiaries.

This Policy will be reviewed regularly and may be updated from time to time.