Safeguarding 

 

Greater Didcot Christian Children and Youthwork Trust Safeguarding Policy

 
Our Vision:
 
The vision of the Greater Didcot Christian Children and Youthwork Trust (GDCCYT) is to see young people discovering and sharing life in all its fullness.
 
Our Safeguarding Responsibilities:
 
The Trust recognises that everyone has a duty to protect all young people and adults at risk from harm, and to respond to concerns about their welfare as set out in Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Govt 2023), Safeguarding Policy (Office of Public Guardian 2023).
 
The Trust is committed to the nurturing, protecting, respecting and safekeeping of all associated with the Trust. Trust activities and events will be a place where everyone is welcome.
 
We will seek to support all Young People (YP) appropriately according to their needs, with their wellbeing central to everything done in the name of the Trust.
 
Reporting:
 
Any concerns raised where a YP/adult is thought to be at risk or any abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected will be reported at the earliest opportunity, and responded to in line with our procedures to the relevant person/authority. The Trust will co-operate with any investigation undertaken by the police or local authority.
 
As well as the statutory authorities, the appropriate denominational bodies will be informed accordingly (e.g. Oxford Diocese/Southern Counties Baptist Association/Oxfordshire Community Churches).
 
Safer Recruitment:
 
Proper care will be taken in the selection and appointment of all those working with young people on behalf of the Trust, both voluntary and paid. It is expected that checks will be consistent across all churches involved with the Trust.
 
DBS checks will be carried out and renewed as required.
 
All those working with YP on behalf of the Trust are expected to follow the Trust’s guidelines and will be asked to sign to confirm they will do so. Each worker will be directed to where a full copy of the Trust’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures can be located.
 
It is also expected that they will ensure that they are familiar with their own church’s Safeguarding Policy as well as that of the Trust.
 
Training:
 
All those working with YP, both paid and voluntary, are expected to complete appropriate training recognised by the Trust and will be offered relevant support and supervision.
 
Respecting Young People and Adults:
 
The Trust will adopt Codes of Behaviour/Conduct, so that all are shown the respect that is due to them. The Trust is committed to the prevention of bullying and no bullying (by either YP or adult) will be tolerated. Everyone has the right to challenge and be challenged on language and behaviour. Any concerns about abuse of power will be reported at the earliest opportunity to the appropriate person/authority.
 
Safer Community:
 
The Trust is committed to establishing an environment that is as safe as possible for everyone, and in so doing provide a caring community. The Trust will adopt ways of working that promote the safety and wellbeing of all. Activities that are carried out will have a documented risk assessment. Work with YP will be undertaken in a way that promotes their safety and wellbeing and is in line with the Trust’s Codes of Behaviour/Conduct.
 
Each partner church will ensure that the Trust is aware of any person they know of who may pose a risk to a YP with whom they come into contact, and such persons will be managed appropriately according to Trust policy.
 
Pastoral Support:
 
The Trust will provide respectful pastoral support to any YP or adult who informs them of abuse which may include signposting to other agencies/local church. Supervision and support of workers will be provided by their local church.
 
This policy will be reviewed annually.
 
Contact Number for Safeguarding Lead (Sue): 07821 307999