Safeguarding policy statement

Our safeguarding responsibilities

The Chaplaincy recognises its responsibilities in safeguarding all adults at risk, young people and children, regardless of any difference or characteristic such as gender, ethnicity or ability.

The Chaplaincy Council, Chaplains, staff members and volunteers commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection and safekeeping of all associated with the Chaplaincy and will pray for them regularly. In pursuit of this, we commit ourselves to this policy and to the development of sound procedures to ensure we implement our policy well.

Prevention and reporting of abuse

It is the duty of everyone involved in the Chaplaincy to help prevent the abuse of adults at risk and children, and to respond to concerns about the well-being of adults at risk and children. Any abuse disclosed, discovered or suspected will be reported in accordance with our procedures. The Chaplaincy will fully co-operate with any statutory investigation into any suspected abuse linked with the Chaplaincy.

Safer recruitment, support and supervision of workers

The Chaplaincy will exercise proper care in the selection and appointment of those working with adults at risk and children, whether paid or voluntary. All workers will be provided with appropriate training, support and supervision to promote the safekeeping of adults at risk and children.

Respecting adults at risk and children

The Chaplaincy will adopt a code of behaviour for all who are appointed to work with adults at risk and children so that all adults and children are shown the respect that is due to them.

Safer working practices

The Chaplaincy is committed to providing an environment that is as safe as possible for adults at risk and children and will adopt ways of working with them that promote their safety and well being.

A safer community

The Chaplaincy is committed to the prevention of bullying. The Chaplaincy will seek to ensure that the behaviour of any individuals who may pose a risk to adults at risk, young people and children in any activity organised or hosted by the Chaplaincy is managed appropriately.

Safeguarding contact points within our Chaplaincy

The Chaplaincy has appointed the following individuals as key safeguarding contacts:

The Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS) and the Safeguarding Trustee will take the lead in addressing Safeguarding issues at the Chaplains’ Meeting and Chaplaincy Council (respectively). However, every person connected with the Chaplaincy has a responsibility to report allegations of abuse as soon as they are raised.

Putting our policy into practice

• A copy of the safeguarding policy statement will be displayed permanently on the Chaplaincy noticeboard and Chaplaincy office
• Each Chaplain, Employee or Volunteer will be given a full copy of the safeguarding policy and procedures and will be asked to sign to confirm that they will follow them
• A full copy of the policy and procedures will be made available to anyone on request
• The policy and procedures will be monitored and reviewed annually, and any necessary revisions adopted into the policy and implemented through our procedures
• The policy statement will be read annually at the Chaplaincy AGM, together with a report on the outcome of the annual safeguarding review