Section 1: Details of the Organisation

Castlemilk Community Church is a member of Thirtyone:eight, an independent Christian Charity registered in England and Wales No: 1004490, Scottish Charity No: SC040578, which offers safeguarding support, guidance, resources and training.

Section 2: Introduction and Purpose

Castlemilk Community Church is constituted as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SC051505), and the Leadership Team, acting as the Charity Trustees, holds ultimate responsibility and independent authority for the Church, including responsibility for safeguarding (Constitution, Clauses 9.2 and 82). This responsibility includes referring safeguarding concerns to Social Services, Police Scotland, OSCR and other appropriate agencies as required (for example, funding providers).

We are a small, inclusive, ethnically diverse Baptist church with individuals, families and children attending. We meet for worship, prayer and fellowship, with associated children’s activities on Sundays. We also run a substantial grant-funded Outreach Project as a practical ministry to asylum seekers and the refugee community, provide a drop-in service to support and help individuals and families, and supply free furniture and household goods to those in need.

We believe each child and adult is to be respected as a person in their own right, created and loved by God.

The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) has issued specific guidance on safeguarding and defines this as:

“the action that an organisation takes to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults to protect them from harm including physical, emotional, sexual and financial harm and neglect. This includes making sure that the appropriate policies, practices and procedures are put in place. Safeguarding includes child protection but goes further and extends to all vulnerable beneficiaries.”

It noted that charities “have a wider responsibility to protect their staff, volunteers and beneficiaries in general. It’s important that charities consider how to promote wellbeing and welfare of all the individuals they work with.”

The following Safeguarding Policy and Statement aims to not only meet the requirements of ensuring a safe environment for those accessing activities in our organisation, but to also build an open culture where:

• those who lead do so by example and are committed to the safeguarding of all
• those that work or volunteer are safely recruited and trained for their roles
• there are accountability structures for staff and volunteers with codes of conduct
• the values of the organisation are embedded in its day-to-day actions and behaviours of its people
• there is open communication

Section 3: Governance and Leadership

Our Commitment

As a Leadership Team, we recognise the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children, young people and adults at risk of harm. We acknowledge that children, young people and adults can be the victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and neglect.

We accept the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant of Human Rights, which states that everyone is entitled to:

“all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status”.

We also concur with the Convention on the Rights of the Child which states that children should be able to develop their full potential, free from hunger and want, neglect and abuse. They have a right to be protected from:

“all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s), or any other person who has care of the child.”

As a Leadership Team, we have therefore adopted the procedures set out in this safeguarding policy in accordance with statutory guidance. We are committed to build constructive links with statutory and voluntary agencies involved in safeguarding.

We undertake to:

• Endorse and follow all national and local safeguarding legislation and procedures, in addition to the international conventions outlined above
• Provide on-going safeguarding training for all our workers and will regularly review the operational guidelines attached
• Ensure that the premises meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and other relevant legislation, and that it is welcoming and inclusive
• Support the Safeguarding Lead and Deputy in their work and in any action they may need to take in order to protect children and adults at risk

Our safeguarding policy statement can be found in Appendix 1.

The policy and any attached practice guidelines are based on the ten safeguarding standards published by Thirtyone:eight.

Castlemilk Community Church’s Board of Trustees have a critical role in decision making and compliance as well as setting the values, standards and behaviours of the organisation.

The standards and behaviours may be referred to as the culture of the organisation or “the way we do things around here”. Culture can be shaped in both negative and positive ways.

“The culture of a charity goes beyond mere compliance with legal and regulatory demands. Charity governance is most effective when it provides assurances not just that legal requirements are met, but that the behaviour of people working for the charity, and those who come into contact with it, is proper and ethical. Culture, alongside good governance, can be pivotal to whether a charity achieves its stated object.” (IICSA / The Governance Institute, 2017)

The Trustees retain overall responsibility for safeguarding governance, including ensuring appropriate referrals and notifications are made where required.

Section 4: Prevention

4.1 Understanding Abuse and Neglect

Defining child abuse or abuse against an adult is a difficult and complex issue. A person may abuse by inflicting harm or failing to prevent harm. Children, and adults at risk of harm may be abused within a family, an institution, or a community setting. Very often the abuser is known or in a trusted relationship with the child or adult.

For the purposes of this policy, a child will be referred to as someone under 18 years. An adult at risk of harm is anyone over 18 years of age who is unable to safeguard themselves, their property and their rights. They may be affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental infirmity; they are more at risk of being harmed than adults who are not so affected.

To safeguard those in our organisation we accept (in respect of both children and adults at risk of harm) the obligations set out in Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to:

“take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse… Such protective measures should, as appropriate, include effective procedures for the establishment of social programmes to provide necessary support for the child and for those who have the care of the child, as well as for other forms of prevention and for identification, reporting, referral, investigation, treatment and follow-up of instances of child maltreatment…”

Also, for adults the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights with particular reference to Article 5:

“No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”

Our policy is in line with the following legislation:

• Children and Young People (Scotland) Act (2014)
• Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act (2007)
• National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland (2014)
• Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 and the Code of Practice (2014)
• Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act (2000)
• National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 (updated 2023)

Note: in Scotland, the legislation refers to “harm” as opposed to “abuse”.

Abuse has many forms:

Physical abuse

Physical abuse is when a child or adult at risk is deliberately hurt or injured by another person.

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse occurs when the confidence and self-esteem of a child or an adult at risk of harm are repeatedly damaged.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse is when a child or adult at risk is forced or persuaded into sexual activity.

Online abuse

Online abuse takes many forms but can include sexual exploitation, grooming, communicating with children for a sexual purpose, but also includes sexting and cyberbullying.

Child sexual exploitation

Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It happens through control, coercion, force, enticement and bribery – it never happens through choice. Young people as well as adults can commit child sexual exploitation.

Neglect

Neglect is one of the most widespread forms of abuse and happens when basic needs are not being met on a regular basis. Persistent and on-going signs of neglect might include a child or adult at risk being constantly hungry, poorly or inadequately dressed, or unwashed.

Detailed definitions, including signs and indicators of abuse, along with information on other areas of concern can be found in Appendix 3.

The signs of abuse can sometimes be difficult to spot, but individuals and communities can play a big part to keep children safe. We can help protect children by keeping our eyes and ears open, by being alert to signs that all is not well, and by acting on any concerns we might have.

4.2 Positions of Trust

All adults working with children, young people and adults at risk of harm are in a position of trust. All those in positions of trust need to understand the power this can give them over those they care for and the responsibility they have because of this relationship.

It is vital that all workers ensure they do not, even unwittingly, use their position of power and authority inappropriately. They should always maintain professional boundaries and avoid behaviour which could be misinterpreted.

4.3 Safer Recruitment and Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG)

The Leadership Team will ensure that all staff and volunteers will be appointed, trained, supported and supervised in accordance with government and national guidance on safe recruitment. This includes ensuring that:

• there is a written job description / person specification for the role
• those applying complete an application form
• there is an interview process
• safeguarding is discussed at interview
• written references are obtained, and followed up where appropriate
• a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Disclosure has been obtained where necessary. The PVG scheme is managed by Disclosure Scotland (an executive agency of the Scottish Government). It helps ensure people who are unsuitable to work with children and protected adults cannot do regulated roles with these groups
• qualifications where relevant are verified
• an appropriate training programme is provided for the successful applicant
• the applicant is given a copy of the organisation’s safeguarding policy and knows how to report concerns

4.4 Safeguarding Training

The Leadership Team is committed to on-going safeguarding training and development opportunities for all workers, to help build a culture of awareness of safeguarding issues to help keep everyone safe. All our workers will receive induction training and undertake recognised safeguarding training regularly.

The Trustees, Safeguarding Lead and Deputy will undertake training in line with national guidelines.

The Leadership Team will ensure that children, young people and adults at risk of harm are provided with information on where to get help and advice in relation to abuse, discrimination, bullying or any other matter where they have a concern.

4.5 Practice Guidelines

As an organisation working with children, young people and adults at risk of harm we wish to operate and promote good working practice. This will enable workers to run activities safely, develop good relationships and minimise the risk of potential harm or abuse and false or unfounded accusations.

4.6 Management of Staff and Volunteers – Codes of Conduct

As a Leadership Team, we strive to set a good example of appropriate conduct and are committed to supporting all workers and volunteers.

We have a code of conduct for staff and volunteers and are developing good practice guidelines including specific forms for some activities which may involve children and/or adults at risk of harm.

These can be found in Appendix 3.

4.7 Partnership Working

The diverse nature of our service users and our volunteers means that there can be wide differences in understanding and practice when it comes to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk of harm. This can be because of cultural tradition, belief and religious practice or understanding, for example, of what constitutes abuse.

Parents of children who attend our activities will be given information about our safeguarding policy and be asked to complete a contact details information form.

If an external organisation uses our premises, they will be made aware of our safeguarding statement and asked to abide by it. It is also our expectation they will have their own policy (if required) which meets our safeguarding standards.

We believe good communication is essential in promoting safeguarding, both to those we wish to protect, to everyone involved in working with children, young people and adults at risk of harm, and to all those with whom we work in partnership.

Section 5: Responding to Allegations of Abuse

Under no circumstances should a worker or volunteer carry out their own investigation into an allegation or suspicion of abuse.

Responding well to concerns includes five steps:

• Recognise that a person may be at risk of harm or abuse
• Respond by taking appropriate action in a sensitive and timely way
• Record the concerns or disclosures of abuse that have been made
• Report any concerns to the right person so action can be taken
• Reflect on what happened and act on any learning

Our response to allegations is of paramount importance and therefore we have included the main points in the body of this document (brief descriptions are given below, but there is more detail in Appendix 3).

5.1 Recognise

You may recognise a concern by spotting signs or indicators of abuse or you might be told about a situation. When a person tells you about their experience of abuse, or comes to you for help, this is called making a disclosure.

5.2 Respond

• Respond by listening carefully without interrupting
• Reassure the person that they have done the right thing in telling someone and that the information will be taken seriously
• Ensure immediate safety of the person, seek medical help if needed
• Make a record of what has happened
• Report any concerns to your Safeguarding Lead

• DO NOT ask leading questions
• DO NOT promise secrecy
• DO NOT downplay or minimise the harm and abuse
• DO NOT blame the person
• DO NOT try to resolve the situation yourself
• DO NOT discuss with parents/carers until after you have reported your concerns and have received advice about what should happen next

5.3 Record

• Accurately record what has been said or witnessed
• Make notes as soon as possible (ideally within one hour)
• Record the date, time and place that the concern was identified and when the record was made
• Record what was said or shared, and by whom, and the circumstances. Include as much detail as possible about the abuse or behaviours. Make a record of any physical signs of abuse such as injuries (size, shape, location)
• Record your response and any action taken
• Records should be written or typed and stored securely in line with data protection policy and only accessed by those authorised to do so
• If writing is a barrier for you, talk to your Safeguarding Lead so you can make a verbal record and have it transcribed
• Cause for Concern Form is in Appendix 2

5.4 Report

Report any concerns or disclosures confidentially to the Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible so that the right action can be taken.

Outreach Project staff and volunteers may report to the Outreach Project Leader, who is part of the safeguarding team if concerns arise during the week.

Thirtyone:eight can be contacted for advice if required: Tel: 0303 003 1111.

The worker or volunteer should record the disclosure, allegation or concern onto a cause for concern form and share this as soon as possible with:

In the absence of the Safeguarding Lead or, if the concerns in any way involve the Safeguarding Lead, then the report should be made to:

Based on the concern, they may then contact the relevant statutory services.

Contacting Relevant Authorities

Concerns should only be discussed with the Safeguarding Lead or Deputy. A written record should be made in accordance with these procedures and kept in a secure place.

Whilst disclosures, allegations or concerns of abuse will normally be reported to the Safeguarding Lead, the absence of the Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Safeguarding Lead should not delay referral to the statutory services, Police Scotland or seeking advice from Thirtyone:eight.

5.5 Reflect

Reflection after a concern or incident has been addressed is an important part of strengthening safeguarding practice. This must be done without compromising confidentiality or any ongoing investigation.

It involves taking time to consider what went well, what could have been handled better, how effectively those involved have been supported and what lessons can be learned to improve future responses.

Section 6: Role of the Church Safeguarding Lead/Deputy

The Safeguarding Lead is nominated by the Leadership Team to act on their behalf in safeguarding matters.

They will help build a positive culture by providing support and advice in safeguarding matters. It is not the role of the Safeguarding Lead to investigate an allegation, rather to respond to concerns and ensure prompt referral, when required, to key safeguarding agencies who have a legal duty to investigate.

The role also includes:

• Being the first port of call for safeguarding concerns within our organisation
• Keeping records relating to safeguarding concerns and doing this in accordance with data protection legislation
• Helping prepare the safeguarding policy and making sure it is shared, put into practice, and reviewed at least once a year
• Raising awareness of safeguarding within the organisation
• Advocating for victim-survivors, children and adults, in need of protection in the safeguarding process
• Supporting with the safer recruitment of workers
• Ensuring workers and leaders have appropriate safeguarding training
• Regularly informing the leadership on current issues and good practice

The Leadership will support the Safeguarding Lead/Deputy Safeguarding Lead in their role and accept that any information they may have in their possession is confidential, and only shared in a strictly limited way on a need-to-know basis.

It is, of course, the right of any individual to make a direct referral to social services or the police, or to seek advice from Thirtyone:eight. However, if it is felt that the Safeguarding Lead/Deputy Safeguarding Lead has not responded appropriately, or there has been a disagreement as to the appropriateness of a referral, they are free to contact social services or Police Scotland directly. We hope by making this statement that the Leadership demonstrates its commitment to effective safeguarding.

Section 7: Wellbeing Support

7.1 Supporting Those Affected by Abuse

The Leadership is committed to offering wellbeing support/pastoral care, working with statutory agencies as appropriate, and support to all those who have been affected by abuse who have contact with or are part of the organisation.

7.2 Working with Those Who May Pose a Risk

When someone attending the organisation is known to pose a potential risk to children, young people or adults at risk of harm, the Leadership will supervise the individual concerned and offer wellbeing support/pastoral care. In its safeguarding commitment the Leadership will set boundaries for that person, which they will be expected to keep. These boundaries will be based on a risk assessment and thorough consultation with appropriate external parties including Thirtyone:eight.

Section 8: Adoption of the Policy

This policy was agreed by the leadership and will be reviewed annually by 30th June or sooner if required by changes in legislation, guidance or organisational activity.

Appendices