Our Safeguarding Policy

Our Safeguarding Policies and Procedures were last reviewed and agreed at the meeting of the Parochial Church Council on 1 July 2024.

Below is a screenshot of the document affirming this. You can download it here.

Safeguarding Declaration 2024

Below are our Policies regarding the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

You can download our ‘Safeguarding Children and Young People at St Andrew’s, Enfield’ policy here.

You can download our ‘Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults at St. Andrew’s, Enfield’ policy here.

Safeguarding Children and Young People at St. Andrew’s, Enfield

The safeguarding of children and adults is an integral part of the life and ministry of the church. This safeguarding children and young people policy sits together with the safeguarding adults’ policy. This policy is drawn from the policy for safeguarding children in the Church of England, Protecting All God’s Children 2010. It provides the basis for ensuring that within our diocese we provide the safest possible environment to enable our children to grow and flourish.

It represents therefore the Diocese of London’s commitment to safeguarding children and young people and reflects our policy statement and guiding principles. The Diocese believes that the welfare of the child is paramount and that all children should be protected from harm or abuse. To do so we will work in partnership with children, parents, carers and other agencies to promote and safeguard the welfare of our children.

What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding is the broader activities through which we are vigilant and responsive to promoting the welfare of our children and young people. The primary concept in safeguarding is recognising and responding to the potential significant harm of children. Significant harm is any single or multiple maltreatment or impairment to the health and development of a child and is determined by careful assessment.

Why is safeguarding important?

For too long, children have died or been abused at the hands of those who should have protected them. Therefore, the work of safeguarding children and young people is now guided by a significant body of legislation and policy. They serve to reinforce the importance of this work and the basis from which we should be operating. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) challenges us to take measures to protect children from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse. Within England this is reflected in the Children Act 1989, which provides the statutory powers for the Local Authority to investigate and intervene where there are concerns for significant harm to a child. More specifically, statutory and voluntary organisations are guided by Working Together to Safeguard Children (2010), HM Government, which provides specific guidance for faith organisations. This policy has been developed against this legislation.

How might children be harmed?

Children can be harmed in many ways. Maltreatment of a child occurs where: their health, physical, emotional, intellectual, sexual, spiritual or social development is damaged by other people. All abuse is a betrayal of trust and a misuse of relationships and power. Church communities must be particularly vigilant to identify the inappropriate use of any religious belief or practice which may harm somebody spiritually, emotionally or physically. Abuse can be an act of commission, such as sexual abuse, or omission, such as neglect or failure to protect.

Child abuse affects girls and boys, babies and young people of all ages up to 18, including children with learning difficulties, children with physical disabilities and children from all kinds of family background. It occurs in all cultures, religions and classes. Digital technology such as the internet and mobile phones are being increasingly used as a medium for abuse. Amongst their peers children may experience ‘sexting’ or be enticed to have taken or send explicit photographs of themselves. With adults it may also take the form of the production and distribution of photos or video displaying abusive images of children. Children can be entrapped by these practices.

Who might harm a child?

Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting, by those known to them, or, more rarely, by a stranger. They may be abused by an adult or adults, or by another child or children, including bullying and abuse through the use of digital technology. Someone may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm or by failing to act to prevent harm. Most child abuse is perpetrated by an adult, male or female, who is well known to the child, often a family member. Such trusted adults may be in the child’s community; they may be trusted professionals, leaders or members of a child’s church.

What is the impact on children?

Child abuse can result in a child suffering significant harm and the need for court proceedings to safeguard their welfare. Abuse prevents children from achieving their full potential and undermines their dignity and rights. The harm it causes will affect children both while it is happening and in later life. It can be educational, emotional, psychological and relational. Historic accounts are therefore to be responded to with the same diligence. When abuse occurs within the context of the Church or by a Christian, it may affect the person’s faith and spiritual development.

Children may suffer both directly and indirectly if they live in households where there is domestic violence. Domestic violence includes any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults or young people, who are or who have been intimate partners, family members or extended family members, regardless of gender and sexuality. If there is domestic violence it is now accepted that there will always be at least emotional abuse of any children in the household, and there may also be direct abuse of them.

Categories and definitions of abuse

There are four categories of abuse described in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2010, from which the following definitions are taken.

Physical abuse

Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces illness in, a child.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.

Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:

provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment)
protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger
ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers)
ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.

It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child that causes severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only in so far as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ridiculing what they say or how they communicate. Emotional abuse may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond the child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may also involve: seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another, for example in domestic violence situations; serious bullying (including cyber-bullying); causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger; exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child but it may occur as the sole or main form of abuse.

Why children don’t tell and adults don’t act

It is commonly believed that a child or young person would resist abuse at all costs or immediately tell a trusted adult. In fact children often need to overcome a number of barriers, which may be emotional or intellectual, but are very real for them. Children and young people often don’t tell because they:

are scared because they have been threatened
believe they will be taken away from home and put in care
believe they are to blame
think it is what happens to all children
feel embarrassed and guilty
don’t want the abuser to get into trouble
have communication or learning difficulties
may not have the vocabulary to explain what happened
are afraid they won’t be believed

All of us have a natural revulsion upon hearing someone has maltreated a child and must resist our inclination to dismiss its possible truth in favour of a more comfortable rationale. The reasons adults do not share their concerns may be because we:

find it hard to believe what we are seeing or hearing
cannot believe the suspicion that may be about someone we know
fear we might ‘get it wrong’ or make it worse
fear the consequences of getting it wrong – for the child, young person or vulnerable adult, their family and/or for ourselves
simply ‘don’t want to be involved’
believe we do not have the information on what to do or who to contact.

Procedures to follow if there is a concern about a child

Concerns about a child or young person may present themselves in a number of ways. The core actions that should always be taken are:

take any emergency action needed to alleviate any immediate risk to life or limb
discuss your concerns with your Church Safeguarding Officer
make a brief factual note of what you have seen, heard or become concerned about (within an hour when possible)
listen, don’t ask any leading questions
ensure safeguarding action is taken

All situations of actual or suspected child abuse should be reported without delay (within 24 hours) to the Diocese Safeguarding Team and their advice sought.

Making a referral to Children’s Social Care

If it is agreed that a referral should be made to your local Social Care office, this will normally be done by the Incumbent, Church Safeguarding Officer or a member of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team (DST). The following points should be kept in mind:

give the social worker as much detail as possible: descriptions, dates, times, and what was actually said
distinguish between fact and opinion and between what you have seen and what others have told you
follow up your contact with the children’s social care by a letter confirming what you have said to them (within 24 hours)
keep a record
be prepared to have further discussions with the social services and/or a police investigation team
continue to support the child
you may need support for yourself – from others in the parish who know what is happening or from your clergy

Allegations against church officers

The guidance below relates to circumstances where it is alleged that a church officer has:

behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child
possibly committed a criminal offence against, or related to, a child
behaved in a way that indicates that he or she is unsuitable to work with children.

Where there are concerns for the behaviour of or allegations against a church worker these should be directed immediately to the Church Safeguarding Officer who will confirm the appropriate next action. These concerns must be reported to the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer and will be addressed drawing on the relevant policy procedures guiding paid and voluntary workers. This may involve: providing advice, supervision and training, the use of disciplinary and statutory processes or a combination of these. In England, any allegation against those working with children must be reported to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) where any of the three circumstances identified above exists. This is a useful means of consultation as the LADO will advise if the situation meets the criteria and contains sufficient information to proceed and will provide support throughout the process.

Caring for those who may or have harmed children

For the purpose of work with children or adults at risk, no offence is considered spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It is the policy of the Church of England that all people with positive criminal records checks should undergo a risk assessment proportionate to their role and the matters disclosed. Old, minor and unrelated offences will not prohibit otherwise suitable people from working with children. The Diocesan Safeguarding Team should always be involved in this.

As well as people with cautions and convictions against children, there are others whose behaviour may be considered to pose a risk to children. A protocol for ‘Managing Offenders’ should be completed for those with cautions or convictions. A ‘Covenant of Care’ agreement should be completed with those who may potentially present a risk to children even where they have not been cautioned or convicted of an offence. Your Safeguarding Officer and Clergy will work with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team in drawing up these Protocols and Covenants.

Why should the Church be concerned?

Research from the Lucy Faithful Foundation has indicated that a higher proportion of convicted offenders against children may be found in church congregations than in the population generally. It is therefore probable that congregations will have people who have abused children among their worshippers, some of whom will be known. Not all will have committed sexual offences; some will have been guilty of neglect, physical or emotional abuse. They may still present a risk to children. The Church is a community of sinners being forgiven, and has a duty to minister to all people. This imposes a particular responsibility to not place people in the way of temptation, and not to compromise the safety of children.

Safeguarding responsibilities

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility and most effectively undertaken when all are working within their clear roles and responsibilities. Within the Diocese of London, safeguarding responsibilities are held by the Diocese, in the Episcopal Areas and by Parochial Church Councils (PCC) and with specified safeguarding personnel.

Diocese of London

In line with General Synod guidance the Diocese has:

adopted the national House of Bishops’ safeguarding children policy (Protecting All God’s Children, 2010)
provided a structure to manage safeguarding in the Diocese
established a Diocesan Safeguarding Team (DST) to coordinate the management of all aspects of safeguarding
provided a code of ‘Safer Working Practice’ for all in the Diocese to follow
ensured the appointment of Episcopal Area Safeguarding Coordinators
ensured safeguarding training and development opportunities are available to all

Episcopal Areas

Area Bishops hold Area responsibility for safeguarding on behalf of the Diocese. This responsibility is to ensure that it is carried out in accordance with the mandates of the Diocese of London and General Synod guidance. Episcopal Areas therefore play a key role in ensuring that safeguarding is consistently and appropriately undertaken. To that end their role is to:

coordinate, with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, the management of safeguarding across the Area
ensure the proper flow of safeguarding information to and from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team
ensure that the code of safer working practice is being followed across the Area
identify and support training needs and promote good practice in safeguarding across the Area

Parochial Church Council (PCC)

Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) play a core role within our worshiping communities. Their influence and good management of safeguarding is fundamental in keeping all within our churches safe. Each parish should therefore:

formally adopt and implement the Diocesan joint policy for safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk ‘Safeguarding in the Diocese of London’ and the associated procedures provided by the Diocese. PCC’s are strongly advised not to amend the suggested Policy Statement provided. Where helpful, Parish Guidelines which implement your adopted policy may be developed and appended. One copy of this policy statement should be kept with the PCC minutes, another copy sent to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and one copy displayed prominently in the church
appoint at least one Church Safeguarding Officer to work with the parish priest and the PCC to implement the policy and procedures . The Church Safeguarding Officer should attend the PCC at least twice a year
appoint a person, who should be different from the Church Safeguarding Officer, to be a Children’s Champion. This should be someone children know they could talk to about any problems, if they so wish
display in church premises where children’s activities take place, the contact details of the Church Safeguarding Officer and Children’s Champion with, ‘Childline’ 0800 1111 and ‘Parentline Plus’ 0808 800 222 and NSPCC Helpline 0808 731 9256 numbers
ensure that all those authorised to work with children are appropriately recruited according to safer recruitment practice and are trained and supported
ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities which involve children undertaken in the name of the parish
ensure all those hiring church premises undertake to fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities towards children and young people
review the implementation in the parish of the safeguarding children policy, procedures and good practice, at least annually. The report should be presented to the PCC by the Church Safeguarding Officer.
where working within Local Ecumenical Partnerships (LEPs), agree which denomination or organisation’s safeguarding children policy to follow, including where to seek advice in urgent situations. This decision should be ratified both by the bishop and other appropriate church leaders in the partnership
in the event of a specific safeguarding concern, ensure that all the LEP partners are also notified.

Roles in safeguarding children and young people

A complete description of all safeguarding roles can be found on the diocesan website. Below are details of the Church Safeguarding Officer and the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer.

Diocesan Safeguarding Officer

The Diocesan Safeguarding Officer is a member of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team (DST). Their role is to coordinate all the mechanisms for safeguarding practice across the Diocese through the provision of specialist advice, support, administration and monitoring.

Church Safeguarding Officer

The Church Safeguarding Officer is responsible for ensuring the coordination of any concerns about a child, or the behaviour of an adult working with children. Their role is to ensure that these are appropriately reported both to the statutory agencies and to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. They should attend the PCC at least twice a year and work with them to ensure the proper implementation of the safeguarding policy.

Where the Church Safeguarding Officer becomes aware of a suspicion or concern about abuse the following steps should be followed:

if the child is in immediate need of medical treatment or protection, contact the ambulance service or the police (very few situations will fall into this category)
inform the rector/vicar/priest-in-charge (unless there is a valid reason not to)
inform the Diocesan Safeguarding Team within 24 hours. This will allow you to discuss your concerns with someone experienced, and seek advice and guidance to agree the most appropriate action to take in the best interests of the child and in line with the Child Protection policies and procedures. The Local Children’s Social Care Department and the NSPCC are available for consultation on concerns.

Selecting, Recruiting and Supporting Workers

Safer recruitment practices form part of a network of checks and balances which will minimise the possibility of appointing inappropriate individuals to work with vulnerable groups. They are one of the four elements of ‘safe care’ practice, which are:

effective, clear appointment/recruitment procedures and practices
explicit and shared standards
clear, reliable supervision arrangements
access to appropriate training opportunities

Appointments to all roles should be in line with the Church of England’s Protecting all God’s Children 2010, and Safeguarding Guidelines relating to Safer Recruitment 2010. Each appointment to a paid or voluntary post should be subject to a recruitment process, vetting checks and a mandatory six-month probationary period. Good appointment and support processes will therefore include:

clarity about what the post involves and the kind of person to occupy it
completion of confidential declaration forms enabling information to be openly explored
consistent interviewing and assessment methods, where identity is verified
using references to ascertain a person’s suitability for the role
checking and rechecking regularly that the individual is suitable to work with vulnerable people
clear and thorough risk assessment to enable “safe” appointments to be made
using the safeguarding declaration and codes of conduct to guide best practice
provision of appropriate means of induction, supervision, training and support

Those appointing should use the recruitment process as an opportunity to satisfy themselves that the person has the personality, experience and integrity for the work. It is recommended that volunteers are not appointed to children’s work until they have been regular members of the congregation for a sufficient length of time for them to become known and trusted by the wider church community.

Good practice in Safeguarding Children and Young People

The following areas are included as being specifically relevant and useful to safeguarding children and young people’s activities.

Supervision and training

The PCC should make sure that paid staff and volunteers have the opportunity to meet together regularly to discuss any concerns, and to receive support and be helped to review their work. Supervision is the formal reviewing and planning of the work of employees and volunteers. Supervisors are responsible for making the work purposeful and focused.

Training is the ongoing activity of learning for the purpose of carrying out one’s responsibilities well and to the required standard. All those working with children and young people should attend safeguarding training. A programme of learning opportunities is annually provided via the Diocesan website.

Openness and accountability

Children and young people are best protected within environments and relationships that are trusting and open. This can be achieved by colleagues supporting each other to keep their practice within the Diocesan ‘Code of Safer Working’, and acting without delay on behaviour that puts a worker or vulnerable person at risk.

Confidentiality and information sharing

The highest level of confidentiality should be maintained at all times in relationships with both adults at risk and children. Concerns about abuse and maltreatment however, must not be kept secret or deemed confidential. Where a child is suffering or likely to suffer harm information must be shared promptly in order to protect the child (advice sought/matter reported within 24 hours). Research and experience affirm that keeping such secrets ‘confidential’ enables the abuse and its harm to continue and only serves to protect the abuser.

The hire of church premises

The welfare of children and young people is with those responsible for their care. Where external organisations are using church premises, hire arrangements must make it clear and agreed that the organisations are to abide by the PCC’s safeguarding policy. A copy of the policy to be used should be attached to the hire agreement. Hirers should be asked to sign a copy of the parish safeguarding policy, even when the organisation have their own, to acknowledge that this has been seen and will be adhered to it.

Consent

It is important to ensure that children and young people can make an informed choice about whether to be involved in specific church activities. This can be done by sending the children and young people a briefing document or meeting with them before the event/activity and talking them through what it involves. Children and young people should be given the option at any time before or during an event or activity to say if they feel unhappy or uncomfortable with what is happening and they must be listened to.

Parental consent must be obtained for all children and young people up to the age of 18 years, unless they are 16 years or over and living and working independently to their parents/ guardians and are not part of the looked after system where the local authority should then be approached.

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults at St. Andrew’s, Enfield

The Church recognises that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, capacities and restrictions. Yet, at some times, we may become vulnerable due to pressures, dangers or overwhelming circumstances. Some people, by reason of their physical or social circumstances, have higher levels of vulnerability than others. This may be because they have a disability, mental health concerns or dementia. It is the Christian duty of everyone to recognise and support those who are identified as being more vulnerable. In supporting a vulnerable person, we must do so with compassion and in a way that maintains dignity.

This document sets out the Diocese of London’s commitment to working with others to promote and safeguard the welfare of adults at risk in its community. The commitment of the Diocese is mirrored in the pastoral practices of St. Andrew’s, Enfield.

When is an adult at risk?

Government guidance suggest that an adult can be at risk due to:

sensory or physical disability or impairment
learning disability
physical illness
chronic or acute mental ill health (including dementia)
addiction to alcohol or drugs
failing faculties in old age
permanent or temporary reduction in physical, mental or emotional capacity through life events such as bereavement, abuse or trauma

Mistreatment or abuse can occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm or exploitation.

Why should the Church be concerned?

Every church has members who are or will become vulnerable and who look to the Church for support and care during these times. They entrust themselves to the care of their Christian community in good faith. At times they may not have the capacity to make decisions that may have consequences for themselves and/or for others. These may relate to daily care, health, finance or property. The Church has a duty to empower and protect such individuals and is supported by legislation.

All church activities which support an individual deemed vulnerable/at risk must follow these five principles:

presume capacity – that people are capable of making decisions, unless there is evidence otherwise
support individuals to make their own decisions – giving all practicable help before considering making any decisions on their behalf
distinguish unwise decisions – recognise that the person retains the right to make seemingly eccentric or unwise decisions
act in their best interests – in all decisions or activities on their behalf
take the least restrictive option – in any action that might affect their basic rights and freedoms

How do I know it is mistreatment or significant harm?

Abuse or mistreatment is a single or repeated act that violates an individual’s human and/or civil rights. It may be physical, verbal or psychological, be an act of neglect or omission, or it may occur when a vulnerable person is persuaded to enter into a financial or sexual transaction to which they have not given or cannot give consent.

The harm can be deemed significant where there is not only ill treatment but impairment and avoidable deterioration to physical, mental, social, sexual or emotional health. The seriousness or extent of abuse is often not clear and concerns should be assessed carefully taking the vulnerable person’s demeanour and point of view into consideration. Each situation should consider the:

vulnerability of the individual
nature and extent of the abuse
length of time it has been occurring
impact on the individual
risk of repeated or increasingly serious acts involving this or other adults at risk

Who might mistreat or abuse an adult at risk?

Adults at Risk may be mistreated or abused by a wide range of people including relatives and family members, professional staff, paid care workers, volunteers, other vulnerable people, neighbours, friends, mere associates and strangers. The abuse can take place within a caring relationship or when the abuser is not well known to the victim.

It may be accepted or exacerbated by the behaviour or culture within an institution, in which case it is described as institutional abuse. Abuse concerns the misuse of influence or power where control and/or authority can result in harmful or criminal activity.

Someone may use their position of influence, power or authority to the detriment of the safety, welfare and general wellbeing of a vulnerable person unintentionally, or with intent and for personal gain. This could be seen as deliberate grooming.

General indications that abuse may be occurring

It may not always be obvious that an adult at risk is being subjected to mistreatment or abuse; and it may not be appropriate to question them at the time. However there may be general indicators that something is amiss and that the adult is unhappy about their situation. Marked change in their behaviour or disclosure of concerns should be discussed with the Church Safeguarding Officer.

Some general indicators that may be noticed about the vulnerable person:

covering up or rationalising, injuries or demeaning behaviours towards them
confusion and / or denial that anything is amiss despite marked deterioration
withdrawal from things that they normally engage with or do
not being allowed to speak for themselves, or see others without permission
flirtatious, precocious or expressive sexual behaviour out of character
indications of unusual confinement e.g. closed off in a room

Behaviours that may be observed about the carer, family member or the person close to the adult at risk include:

getting the vulnerable person to pay for their (i.e. carer’s) shopping / petrol / tickets
taking advantage of their naivety or trust
attitudes of indifference or anger towards the vulnerable person
blaming or chastising them e.g. that soiling themselves was deliberate
aggressive or harsh behaviour (threats, insults, harassment)
inappropriate display of affection or care
social isolation or restriction of activity
obvious absence of assistance or attendance

Categories of Abuse

Nine categories of abuse have been identified. Any or all of these may be carried out as the result of: deliberate intent and targeting of vulnerable people, negligence or ignorance.

Physical abuse

Physical abuse is the act of physical ill treatment. It may include hitting, slapping, pushing, punching, kicking, burning, biting, suffocating, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate sanctions.

Emotional or psychological abuse

Emotional or psychological abuse is the use of threats or fear or the use of ‘power over’ relationships to deny the vulnerable person’s independent wishes. This includes: threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation and denial of dignity, blaming, controlling, bullying, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal of services/supportive networks.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse is a sexual act (contact or non-contact) carried out without the informed consent or knowledge of the other individual. Non-contact abuse may include sexual suggestions, salacious exposure to indecent material and indecent behaviour. Contact abuse may include rape and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the adult at risk has not consented, or could not consent or was pressured into consenting. Victims suffer emotionally and psychologically.

Neglect

Neglectful behaviour is any pattern of activity or omission which seriously impairs an individual. This includes: ignoring a need for medical or physical care, failing to provide access to appropriate health, social care, religious or educational services, or the deliberate withholding of necessities of life such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating. Also denying contact with family, failing to intervene in situations where there is danger to the vulnerable person or to others, particularly when a person lacks the mental capacity to assess risk.

Financial abuse

Financial abuse is the willful use or manipulation of the vulnerable person’s property, assets, or monies without their informed consent or authorisation. This can include theft or fraud of monies or possessions, exploitation, pressure or undue influence to change wills, financial arrangements, or the misuse of property, possessions or benefits.

Discriminatory abuse

Discriminatory abuse is maltreatment or harassment that is based on any characteristic of a person’s identity, such as their race, sex, or disability. Many of the signs of discriminatory abuse will be the same as for emotional abuse. The impact of discriminatory abuse can lead to significant self-harming.

Institutional abuse

Institutional abuse is when a culture of poor practice or maltreatment within a setting becomes routine at the expense of good professional practice. It may be exercised through defamatory attitudes, negative stereotyping, and abusive behaviours which are not corrected.

Spiritual abuse

Within faith communities harm can be caused by the inappropriate use of religious belief or practices. This can include the misuse of the authority of leadership, penitential discipline, oppressive teaching, or intrusive healing and deliverance ministries, which may result in adults at risk experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual harm.

Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is the use of forms of control and/or maltreatment within an intimate or domestic relationship. Types of domestic abuse include: physical, verbal (also called emotional, mental, or psychological abuse), sexual, economic/financial, and spiritual abuse. Stalking and cyber-stalking are also forms of control and abuse. Church workers should remain alert to the use of words, physical or sexual practices to demean and control a vulnerable adult.

What to do with disclosures and concerns

Concerns about vulnerable people emerge in a number of ways. The core actions that should always be taken are:

Take any emergency action needed to alleviate any immediate risk to life or limb
Make a brief factual note of what you have seen, heard or become concerned about (within an hour when possible)
Listen, don’t ask any leading questions and treat all information confidentially
Discuss your concerns with your Church Safeguarding Officer
Ensure safeguarding action is taken, supporting the adult, if they have capacity, to make a referral

All situations of actual or suspected abuse should be reported without delay (within 24 hours) to the Diocese Safeguarding Team and their advice sought.

Confidentiality and information sharing

Any disclosure made by an adult at risk or any concerns that become apparent must be treated with sensitivity and any sharing of information must be carried out on a strictly ‘need to know’ basis. ‘’The first priority should always be to ensure the safety and protection of vulnerable adults.

It is appropriate to ascertain the wishes of the vulnerable person about what they want to do about the situation, explaining the boundaries of confidentiality. However, care should be taken if telling the vulnerable person what you are going to do could make them more vulnerable or at further risk.

Responding to concerns and disclosures

There are many reasons why individuals do not disclose mistreatment or abuse, perhaps personal or family reasons or fear. Some people blame themselves for what has happened or make excuses for their ‘abusers’ particularly where they rely on them for care, support, shelter or companionship. Fear of ‘getting a loved one into trouble’ or losing contact with them altogether may be very real. Consequently victims may refuse to speak to the police, especially in the initial stages even if the situation is extremely serious.

If someone tells you about mistreatment or abuse or you have concerns about a vulnerable person, your role is to respond sensitively and provide support. Ascertain what the vulnerable person wants to do about the situation and consult the Church Safeguarding Officer within 24 hours. The use of diagrams and sketches is often very useful in trying to accurately record a concern. Date and sign your notes and keep them safe.

In emergency situations contact the police, ambulance or social services directly and inform the Church Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible but within 24 hours. Make a record immediately afterwards and always let the police know all that you have seen and done in responding to the situation.

Do:

stay calm, the person concerned is likely to be anxious and need reassuring
listen attentively and accept what is being said, your role is to pass on the concern
let the person tell you in their own words, avoid any assumptions or suggesting explanations.
keep any questions to a minimum.
record what is said and seen using their own words or actions and discuss with your Church Safeguarding Officer

Do Not:

press for more details, someone more appropriate may do this at a later point
be judgmental or voice your own opinion
promise to keep secrets
discuss the information with the alleged abuser
attempt to deal with the problem alone, or try to investigate it

These simple actions will help to protect an adult at risk against further abuse.

Allegations against church workers

Where there are concerns about the behaviour of or allegations against a church worker, these should be directed immediately to the Church Safeguarding Officer. These concerns must be reported to the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer within 24 hours and will be addressed drawing on the relevant policy procedures guiding paid and voluntary workers. A referral must be made to the police and local authority where it appears that a criminal offence has occurred against an adult at risk.

Each Local Authority will have a Safeguarding Adults Coordinator, through whom all safeguarding cases should be recorded and monitored. They will liaise with the police and other statutory and voluntary organisations to arrange relevant meetings, either strategy/planning meetings or case conferences to decide appropriate interventions and support for the adult at risk.

Roles and Responsibilities in Safeguarding Adults at Risk

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility and most effectively undertaken when all are working within their clear roles and responsibilities. Within the Diocese of London, safeguarding responsibilities are held at the levels of the Diocese, Episcopal Areas and Parochial Church Councils (PCC) and with specified safeguarding personnel.

Diocese of London

In line with House of Bishops guidance

adopted the national House of Bishops’ safeguarding policy (‘Promoting a Safe Church’, 2006)
provided a structure to manage safeguarding in the Diocese
established a Diocesan Safeguarding Team (DST) to coordinate and manage of all aspects of safeguarding
provided a code of safe working practice for all in the Diocese to follow
ensured safeguarding training and development opportunities are available to all

Episcopal Areas

Area Bishops hold responsibility for safeguarding on behalf of the Diocese in their Areas. This responsibility is to ensure that ministry is carried out in accordance with the mandates of National and Diocesan guidance. Episcopal Areas play a key role in ensuring that safeguarding is consistently and appropriately undertaken by:

ensuring the appointment of an Episcopal Area Safeguarding Coordinator
coordinating with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team in the management of safeguarding across the area
ensuring the proper flow of safeguarding information to and from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team
ensuring that the code of safe working practice is being followed across the Area
identifying and supporting training needs and promoting good practice in safeguarding across the Area

Parochial Church Council (PCC)

PCCs play a core role within our worshiping communities; their influence and good management of safeguarding is fundamental in keeping all in our churches safe. Each PCC should therefore:

formally adopt and implement the Diocesan joint policy for safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk ‘Safeguarding in the Diocese of London’ and the associated procedures provided by the Diocese. PCC’s are strongly advised not to amend the suggested Policy Statement provided. Where helpful, Parish Guidelines which implement your adopted policy may be developed and appended. One copy of this policy statement should be kept with the PCC minutes, another copy sent to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and one copy displayed prominently in the church.
appoint a Church Safeguarding Officer to work with the parish priest and the PCC to implement the policy and procedures . The safeguarding officer should attend the PCC at least twice a year
communicate the policy to the whole congregation and display in church premises useful support contacts for those who are or may become vulnerable
ensure that all those authorised to work with adults at risk are appropriately recruited according to safe recruitment practice and are trained and supported
ensure where the PCC provides specific services to adults at risk, that these are properly supervised
encourage the whole congregation to be committed to supporting one another, work only within their remit and pass on any concerns so they can be dealt with in a prompt manner
ensure that the policy adopted by the PCC is being implemented and appropriately resourced
review the implementation in the parish of the safeguarding policy, procedures and good practice, at least annually. The report is to be presented to the PCC by the Church Safeguarding Officer.
where working within Local Ecumenical Partnerships (LEPs), agree which denomination or organisation’s safeguarding adults at risk policy to follow, including where to seek advice in urgent situations. This decision should be ratified both by the bishop and other appropriate church leaders in the partnership
in the event of a specific safeguarding concern, ensure that all the LEP partners are also notified.

Diocesan Safeguarding Officer

Church Safeguarding Officer

The Church Safeguarding Officer is responsible for ensuring the coordination of any concerns about an adult at risk or the behaviour of an adult working with them. Their role is to ensure that these are appropriately reported both to the statutory agencies and to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. They should attend the PCC at least twice a year and work with them to ensure the proper implementation of the safeguarding policy.

Where the Church Safeguarding Officer becomes aware of a suspicion or concern about abuse the following steps should be taken:

if the adult at risk is in immediate need of medical treatment or protection, contact the ambulance service, the police or local authority
inform the parish priest (unless there is a valid reason not to)
inform the Diocesan Safeguarding Team within 24 hours. This will allow you to discuss your concerns with someone experienced, and seek advice and guidance to agree the most appropriate action to take in the best interests of the person(s) concerned. The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and the Adult Safeguarding Coordinator can also provide advice and guidance on safeguarding matters.

Selecting, recruiting and supporting workers

Safer recruitment practices form part of a network of checks and balances which will minimise the possibilities of appointing inappropriate individuals to work with vulnerable groups. They are one of the four elements of ‘safe care’ practice, which are:

effective, clear appointment procedures and practices
explicit and shared standards
clear, reliable supervision arrangements
access to appropriate training opportunities

Appointments to all roles should be in line with the Church of England’s ‘Protecting all God’s Children’, 2010, and ‘Safeguarding Guidelines relating to Safer Recruitment’, 2010. Each appointment to a paid or voluntary post should be subject to a recruitment process and vetting checks and a mandatory six-month probationary period. Good appointment and support processes will therefore include:

clarity about what the post involves and the kind of person to occupy it
completion of confidential declaration forms enabling information to be openly explored
consistent interviewing and assessment methods, where identity is verified
using references to ascertain a person’s suitability for the role
checking and rechecking regularly that the individual is suitable to work with vulnerable people
clear and thorough risk assessment to enable “safe” appointments to be made
using the safeguarding declaration and codes of conduct to guide best practice
provision of appropriate means of induction, supervision, training and support

Those appointing should use the recruitment process as an opportunity to satisfy themselves that the person has the personality, experience and integrity for the work. It is recommended that volunteers are not appointed to work with adults at risk until they have been regular members of the congregation for a sufficient length of time for them to become known and trusted by the wider church community.

Good Practice in Safeguarding Adults at Risk

Good practice safeguards people who may be vulnerable. It also protects anyone from a congregation who comes into contact with them, in whatever context, from being wrongly accused of abuse or misconduct. The ‘Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of the Clergy’ provide a good practice guide for all those involved in pastoral ministry in the Diocese. Everyone, whether paidor unpaid, clergy or lay, should be working within church guidelines.

Pastoral relationships

Anyone whose ministry brings them into contact with vulnerable people should remain aware of their own behaviours and how these might be viewed by an adult at risk. Pastoral relationships will often run parallel with friendships and social contacts, but should always remain distinct. Perceptions can be difficult to manage and workers should always seek to have a clear understanding with vulnerable people of the nature and boundaries of their contact with them.

The following principles should be followed:

exercise particular care when ministering to persons with whom there already exists a close personal friendship or family relationship
be aware of the dangers of dependency in pastoral and professional relationships and seek advice or supervision when these concerns arise
minister within your remit and limits – do not undertake any ministry that is beyond your competence or role (e.g. therapeutic counselling, deliverance ministry, or giving legal advice). Instead refer to the person or agency with appropriate expertise
avoid behaviour that could give the impression of favouritism or special relationship.
always respectfully encourage self-determination, independence and choice
do not undertake any pastoral ministry whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Conversations and interviews in a ministry context

Church workers must always be aware of their language and behaviour and should consider in advance the:

value of taking a colleague along with them
place of the meeting, arrangement of the furniture and lighting, their own deportment
balance of privacy for conversation with the opportunity for supervision (open doors or windows in doors, another person nearby);
physical distance between people taking into account hospitality and respect, being aware that this may differ as a result of past trauma or abusive experiences
circumstances and whether they suggest a professional or social interaction
propriety or danger of visiting or being visited alone, especially in the evening
personal safety and comfort of all participants
the appropriateness of initiating or receiving any physical contact, for example gestures of comfort, which may be unwanted or misinterpreted.

Workers should establish the nature of the interview at the outset of each interaction in respect to subject matter, confidentiality and duration

Sexual conduct

The sexual conduct of church workers will have an impact on their ministry within the Church. It is never appropriate for workers to take advantage of their role and engage in sexual activity with anyone with whom they have a pastoral relationship.

Workers should be aware of the power imbalance inherent in pastoral relationships and:

must not engage in sexual activity with an adult or a child
must take responsibility for their words and actions if wishing to make physical contact with another adult (e.g. a hug may be misunderstood) or to talk to them about sexual matters. This will include seeking permission, respecting the person’s wishes, noticing and responding to non-verbal communication, refraining from such conduct if in doubt about the person’s wishes
must follow the Church’s discipline on sexual matters
must not view, possess or distribute sexual images of children and should refrain from viewing, possessing or distributing sexually exploitative images of adults
should avoid situations where they feel vulnerable to temptation or where their conduct may be misinterpreted

Financial integrity

Financial dealings can have an impact on the Church and the community, and must always be handled with integrity. Those with authority for such matters should maintain proper systems and not delegate that responsibility to anyone else. Church workers should:

not seek personal financial gain from their position
not be influenced by offers of money, or take inappropriate responsibility for such
ensure that church and personal finances are kept apart and should avoid any conflict of interest
ensure any monies received are handled by two unrelated lay people
disclose any gifts received to a supervisor/senior and decide on its acceptance, confirmation and use
not to canvass for church donations from those who may be vulnerable, e.g. the recently bereaved or those who lack capacity to make such decisions

Record keeping

At the first opportunity (within 24 hours) church workers should make a note of anything that has been said and seen by them that causes them concern. They should aim to:

note what was actually said using the individual’s own words where possible
describe the circumstances in which any disclosure or concern came about
note the setting and anyone else who was there at the time
separate out factual information and your own opinions, recording the reasons for the latter

Safeguarding Policies and Procedures: Declaratiom

I confirm that the St. Andrew’s Enfield (1818) Safeguarding Procedures and Policy were last reviewed and agreed at the meeting of the Parochial Church Council on 1 July 2024.

Rev Dr Steve Griffiths

Vicar of Enfield and Chair of St. Andrew’s PCC

2 July 2024