Policy for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults
Note. This policy has been agreed by the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and applies to Junior Church and all other activities of Immanuel and St Andrew, as well as to all hirers of the building. All hirers are required to sign a form to say that they have seen the policy and will abide by it insofar as it applies to their activities.
You can view or download a copy of the policy in Microsoft Word (.doc) format if you have a suitable browser. You can also view or download the 'Supplementary Guidelines for Implementing Parish Child Protection Policy' issued by the Diocese of Southwark, which are referred to in the policy (also .doc format). For a guide to the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure process in the Diocese go to www.southwark.anglican.org/Church_&_Society/crb.htm.
INTRODUCTION
This policy statement sets out the means by which Immanuel and St Andrew will ensure that every precaution is taken to protect children and vulnerable adults in our care or receiving services provided by us. It is based on the Children Act, Home Office ‘Safe from Harm’ Guidelines and the House of Bishops' Recommendations.
This policy and the procedures will be reviewed annually by the PCC. Copies will be displayed on the church noticeboards.
AIMS
Our aims are to promote good practice in the protection of children and vulnerable adults and to protect those, who on either a paid or voluntary basis work with them on behalf of or in the name of Immanuel and St Andrew.
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PRINCIPLES
- Children and vulnerable people will be protected
- The welfare of the child is paramount
- All allegations of abuse will be taken seriously
- We will collaborate with statutory and voluntary agencies
- Volunteers will be trained and supported
- Declarations of offences will be sought from all volunteers and paid staff with regular direct contact with children or vulnerable adults
DEFINITIONS
Children are defined as children and young people aged under 18 years. Vulnerable adults may be regarded as those who are elderly and frail (especially if they live alone), have learning difficulties, have mental health problems or in other ways, in the judgement of the incumbent, appear less than fully self-sufficient.
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PROCEDURES
Appointment of Child Protection Representative
The PCC has appointed Laura Reynolds as Child Protection representative. Laura Reynolds will work alongside the incumbent to ensure that the Guidelines produced by the Diocese of Southwark in relation to child protection are adhered to. Details of this role are set out in 'Supplementary Guidelines for Implementing Parish Child Protection Policy'.
Volunteers
The Parish of Immanuel and St Andrew thrives on the tireless work of volunteers supporting and enhancing that of the clergy in all aspects our mission, both internally and in relation to outreach work. It is considered that interviewing all volunteers would place an unacceptable burden on those organising activities and may stem the flow of willing volunteers. However the parish has reviewed all volunteer roles and determined which roles are considered likely to have substantial direct contact with children or vulnerable adults.
The Child Protection Representative will ensure that the volunteer completes:
- An Offences Declaration Form
- A Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure Form
Where a volunteer has been attending Immanuel and St Andrew for less than 6 months references will also be sought (as set out in the Offences Declaration form). Where a volunteer has been attending Immanuel and St Andrew for more than 6 months the need for references will be dispensed with.
The list of volunteers will be reviewed annually and the forms updated every five years if required.
Diocesan requirements will be followed for paid staff.
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Good Practice Guidelines for Children’s Activities
At each meeting of children and young people there should be at least two adults present. Where possible the gender of the adults should reflect that of the group i.e. at least one man if there are boys present, at least one woman if there are girls. If a single leader of a group is felt appropriate, several groups may meet in a large room e.g. the hall or in adjoining rooms with an open door between. If a child or young person is interviewed alone there should be a second adult nearby.
No person under the age of 18 years should be left in sole charge of children of any age. However volunteers aged 16-18 years may help in a group provided they have CRB clearance (for which parental consent will be required).
In the case of the crèche there must be at least two adults present even if there is only one infant.
No child or young person should be left unattended at any time.
A register should be kept of children attending each activity. In addition records should be kept for each child of their name, address, telephone number, date of birth and name of parent/carer. This data will be kept in a secure place.
Written permission from parents/carers must be obtained for activities off the premises.
If a child is to be transported in a car or minibus the leader/driver must ensure that they are covered by appropriate insurance and if a minibus is used the person driving is authorised and holds an appropriate licence. Health and Safety Regulations must be followed.
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Administration
The leader of each activity will be responsible for ensuring:
- That records and registers are kept and stored confidentially
- That each volunteer associated with that activity is reviewed, in conjunction with the incumbent, to determine whether their role entails substantial direct contact with children or vulnerable adults
- That the child protection representative is informed of all volunteers who require a CRB check
- That sole direct contact with children or vulnerable adults is avoided until the volunteer has been cleared by the CRB
The Child Protection Representative will:
- Provide Offences Disclosure and CRB forms to each volunteer referred to her/him
- Check the evidence of address/identity provided by that volunteer
- Send the form to the Diocesan Child protection Representative
- Receive back from the CRB the outcome of the check
- In conjunction with incumbent and taking the advice of the Diocesan Child Protection Representative decide on an appropriate course of action in the event of a positive disclosure
- Keep a record of the dates of CRB checks of all volunteers
The PCC must assure itself that there is a place where records can be stored securely and confidentially. Retention of Offences Declaration forms must be indefinite and the incumbent will be responsible for their long term storage.
Action if an Allegation of Abuse is made or an Adult Working with a Child is concerned About Possible Abuse
A child should always be taken seriously. The adult should consult the leader of the activity and then the Child Protection Representative or the incumbent. The adult should not ‘investigate’ or contact Social Services directly except in an emergency. The Diocesan Child Protection Co-ordinator is available for consultation where appropriate.
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The Role of Diocese of Southwark
The Diocese will act as Umbrella Body registered with the Criminal Records Bureau in the name of the South London Church Fund and Southwark Diocesan Board of Finance, through which parishes and associated organisations may apply for CRB checks for volunteers. As such the PCC is required to sign up to the attached ‘Policy Statement Regarding Recruitment, Disclosures and the Security of Disclosure Information’.
Training
It is understood that the Diocese is preparing training materials covering Child Protection issues for volunteers that can be studied locally or on line. When these become available, leaders and helpers will be encouraged to use them to keep up to date on best practice.
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Insurance
Immanuel and St Andrew is covered for Public Liability Insurance with the Ecclesiastical Insurance Company. The observance of ‘reasonable care’ is a standard insurance condition. The policy holder has a duty to adopt ‘best practice’. The Ecclesiastical Insurance Company considers the implementation of the Church of England Policy essential for the maintenance of public liability insurance in the field of child abuse.
Church Premises
The Incumbent will ensure that the Guidance on child protection policy in relation to groups who hire the church hall is implemented. (Supplementary Guidelines for Implementing Parish Child Protection Policy)
Laura Reynolds
Immanuel and St Andrew Child Protection Representative
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Page last updated 20 November 2007.
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