Safeguarding

1. Policy Statement

Nottingham Salvation Outreach is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, caring, and respectful environment for all, especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We believe everyone has the right to protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and we take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously in accordance with UK legislation and guidance.

We will take all reasonable steps to prevent harm, respond promptly to concerns, and work closely with statutory agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of those in our care.

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

• All church leaders, staff, volunteers, and members.
• All activities organised by or on behalf of Nottingham Salvation Outreach, whether on church premises or elsewhere.
• All children (under 18) and vulnerable adults who engage with our ministry.

3. Legal Framework

Our safeguarding practice is informed by:

• Children Act 1989 & 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
• Care Act 2014 (for safeguarding adults)
• Keeping Children Safe in Out-of-School Settings Guidance
• Charity Commission Guidance: Safeguarding and Protecting People for Charities and Trustees
• Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR

4. Definitions

• Child: Anyone under the age of 18.
• Vulnerable Adult: A person aged 18 or over who is unable to care for themselves or protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to age, illness, disability, mental health issues, or other vulnerability.
• Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, financial, spiritual abuse, and discriminatory abuse.

5. Safeguarding Roles and Responsibilities

• Safeguarding Lead Officer:
  Name: Simeon Ologeh
  Role: First point of contact for all safeguarding concerns; responsible for referrals, policy oversight, and liaising with statutory agencies.
  Contact: simeon.ologeh@nottsalvationoutreach.org.uk
• Deputy Safeguarding Officer:
  Name: Joseph Justin
  Role: Acts in the absence of the Safeguarding Lead Officer; supports safeguarding processes and ensures continuity of reporting.
  Contact: joseph.justin@nottsalvationoutreach.org.uk
• Trustees & Leadership Team: Responsible for ensuring safeguarding is embedded in governance and practice.
• All Staff & Volunteers: Must read, understand, and follow this policy.

6. Safe Recruitment

We will ensure that all individuals working with children or vulnerable adults are:

• Safely recruited in line with UK Safer Recruitment guidelines.
• Subject to appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
• Given clear role descriptions and supervision.
• Required to provide references and explain any gaps in work history.

7. Training

• All staff and volunteers must complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role.
• Training will be renewed at least every three years.
• The Safeguarding Lead will attend advanced safeguarding training and updates annually.

8. Code of Conduct

Church workers and volunteers must:

• Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Avoid being alone in private with a child or vulnerable adult where possible.
• Maintain appropriate physical boundaries.
• Use language that is encouraging and not harmful.
• Never engage in sexual activity or inappropriate relationships with anyone under 18 or a vulnerable adult.

9. Recognising Signs of Abuse

All church workers must be alert to signs such as:

• Unexplained injuries or fearfulness.
• Sudden changes in behaviour.
• Poor hygiene, malnourishment, or lack of supervision.
• Disclosure of abuse by the individual.

10. Responding to Concerns

If a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, call 999.
Otherwise:

1. Listen without judgement.
2. Do not promise confidentiality – explain you must share the concern with the Safeguarding Lead.
3. Record exactly what was said, using the person’s own words.
4. Report immediately to the Safeguarding Lead Officer (or Deputy if unavailable).

11. Recording & Reporting

• All safeguarding concerns must be recorded promptly on the Safeguarding Concern Form.
• Reports must include date, time, people involved, and a factual account.
• All records will be stored securely and in compliance with UK GDPR.

12. Confidentiality

• Information will only be shared with those who need to know to protect the individual.
• All safeguarding records will be kept securely for the required retention period.

13. Working with External Agencies

We will cooperate fully with:

• Local Authority Children’s and Adults’ Safeguarding Teams.
• Police and statutory services.
• Other relevant safeguarding partners.

14. Prevention in Church Activities

• Risk assessments will be conducted for all activities involving children or vulnerable adults.
• Ratios of adults to children will follow best practice guidelines.
• Consent forms will be obtained for trips and events.

15. Whistleblowing

We encourage all staff and volunteers to raise concerns about poor practice. Whistleblowers will be protected from harassment or victimisation in line with UK law.

16. Monitoring & Review

• This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation changes.
• Any safeguarding incident will trigger an immediate review of procedures.

Date Approved: 01.01.2025
Review Date: 01.01.2026

Signed: SO
Simeon Ologeh – Safeguarding Lead Officer
Joseph Justin – Deputy Safeguarding Officer
Trustees – Nottingham Salvation Outreach