Safeguarding Policy

Section 1

Details of the place of worship/organisation

Name of Organisation:

  • CEHC (Christian Endeavour Holiday Centres)
  • Beechwood Court
  • The Pleasaunce

Contact details:

Beechwood Court,
Mountain Road
Conwy
North Wales
LL32 8PY

Telephone:01492 593 405
Email address: beechwoodcourt@cehc.org.uk

The Pleasaunce
Harbord Road,
Overstrand
Cromer
NR27 0PN

Telephone: 01263 579 212
Email address: thepleasaunce@cehc.org.uk

Charity Number: 1039170
Company Number: 2939379
Insurance Company: Methodist Insurance

Overview of organisation

The following is a brief description of our organisation and the type of work we undertake with children and adults who may have care and support needs:

At both of our centres, we welcome holidaymakers of all ages. We accommodate families, groups and those holidaying on their own. We want holidaymakers to ‘Come as strangers and leave as friends.’ We encourage group activities, allowing guests to get to know one another whilst sharing their experiences and developing long-lasting bonds.

Faith and worship play a prominent role at each centre. Guests are welcome to explore the Christian faith on their own, or they can choose to share what God has done in their life with others. There are special times for prayer, praise and reflection for guests to engage with Christ.

Our centres are also the perfect place to host church weekends, Christian conferences and School parties. We offer planned programmes for all ages and, when children’s programmes are offered all leaders have received the appropriate level of training as well as being DBS cleared.

CEHC is an umbrella organisation managing two centres- Beechwood Court and The Pleasaunce by a Board of Trustees.

CEHC is a registered charity and adheres to the guidance provided and underwritten by the Charity Commission. Further details of what this entails can be obtained by contacting the Chair of the Trustees of CEHC.

Registered office for statutory purpose is:
CEHC c/o BHP, Rutland Park, Sheffield, S10 2PD

Our commitment

As a Leadership team, we recognise the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children, young people and adults. 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, we recognise that we are all vulnerable at some point in our life and thus we have adopted the procedures set out in this safeguarding policy in accordance with statutory guidance. We are committed to building constructive links with statutory and voluntary agencies involved in safeguarding where possible.

The policy and attached practice guidelines are based on the ten Safe and Secure safeguarding standards published by the Thirtyone: Eight organisation(Formerly The Churches Child Protection Advisory Service).

The Leadership undertakes to:

  • Endorse and follow all national and local safeguarding legislation and procedures
  • provide ongoing safeguarding training for all its workers and will regularly review the operational guidelines each January at the Trustees Committee Meeting
  • to ensure that the premises meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and all other relevant legislation and that it is welcoming and inclusive.
  • support the Safeguarding Coordinators in their work and in any action they may need to take in order to protect children and adults with care and support needs.
  • the Leadership agrees not to allow the document to be copied by other organisations.

Section 2

Positions of Trust

All adults working with children, young people, and vulnerable adults 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 unknowingly, use their position of power and authority inappropriately. They should always maintain professional boundaries and avoid behavior that could be misinterpreted. As of April 2022, it is illegal (in England and Wales) for those in Positions of Trust in a faith setting to engage in sexual activity with a 16 or 17-year-old under their care or supervision.

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 also to build an open culture where:

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

Prevention

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 in need of protection 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.

In order to safeguard those in our organisations we adhere to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and have as our starting point as a definition of abuse, Article 19 which states

1. States Parties shall 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, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.

2. Such protective measures should, as appropriate, include effective procedures for the establishment of social programmes to provide the 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 described heretofore, and, as appropriate, for judicial involvement.

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

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

Detailed definitions, and signs and indicators of abuse, as well as how to respond to a disclosure of abuse, are included here in our policy.

Definitions of Abuse

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a human being. Somebody may abuse or neglect by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or 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 – another child or children.

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 or young person to take part in sexual activities, including prostitution, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative (eg rape, buggery or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts. They may include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual online images, watching sexual activities, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.

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 such as to cause 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 insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It 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 from participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying, causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child.

Definitions of abuse for adults with care and support needs

Physical abuse

including assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication, restraint, or inappropriate physical sanctions.

Domestic violence

including psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and emotional abuse; so-called ‘honour’ based violence.

Sexual abuse

including rape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking or touching, sexual teasing or innuendo, sexual photography, subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts, indecent exposure, and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting.

Psychological abuse

including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyberbullying, isolation, or unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal of services or supportive networks.

Financial or material abuse

including theft, fraud, internet scamming, coercion in relation to an adult’s financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property, inheritance, or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions, or benefits.

Modern slavery

encompasses slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive, and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude, and inhumane treatment.

Discriminatory abuse

including forms of harassment, slurs, or similar treatment on grounds such as race, gender, age, or disability.

Organisational abuse

including neglect and poor care practice within an Institution or specific care setting such as a hospital or care home, for example, or in relation to care provided in one’s own home. This may range from one-off incidents to ongoing ill-treatment. It can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of the structure, policies, processes, and practices within an organisation.

Neglect and acts of omission

including ignoring medical, emotional, or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, care, and support or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition, and heating

Self-neglect

This covers a wide range of behaviour neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding. Incidents of abuse may be one-off or multiple, and affect one person or more.

Signs and Indicators of abuse

When considering whether there is evidence to suggest a child or young person has been abused there are a number of possible indicators (listed below). However, there may be other explanations, so it is important not to jump to conclusions but rather to follow the procedure in your Child Protection Policy. There may also be no signs or symptoms this does not mean that a report of abuse is false.

Spiritual Abuse

Spiritual Abuse is defined as: “Coercion and control of one individual by another in a spiritual context. The target experiences spiritual abuse as a deeply emotional personal attack. This abuse may include manipulation and exploitation, enforced accountability, censorship of decision-making, requirements for secrecy and silence, pressure to conform, misuse of scripture and using the pulpit to control behaviour, requirements of obedience to the abuser, the suggestion that the abuser has a divine position, isolation from others, especially those external to the abusive context.”

It is important to understand that spiritual abuse is a form of psychological and emotional abuse that takes place within a faith context. Sufferers therefore experience being controlled, coerced, and pressurised within churches and places of worship. It is important to realise that there is no evidence that its proponents necessarily intend to harm others. Instead, controlling and helpful ways of behaving might develop unwittingly and once a pattern is established it continues.

Suggestions of Physical Abuse

  • Any injuries not consistent with the explanation given for them.
  • Injuries that have not received medical attention
  • Injuries that occur to the body in places that are not normally exposed to falls, rough games, etc
  • Neglect – undernourishment, failure to grow, constant hunger, stealing or gorging food, untreated illnesses, inadequate care, etc
  • Reluctance to change for, or participate in, games or swimming
  • Repeated urinary infections or unexplained tummy pains
  • Bruises, bites, burns, fractures etc that do not have an accidental explanation. Cuts/scratches/substance abuse*
  • Changes in routine

Indicators of Possible Sexual Abuse

  • Any allegations made by a child concerning sexual abuse
  • Child with an excessive preoccupation with sexual matters and detailed knowledge of adult sexual behaviour, or who regularly engages in age-inappropriate sexual play
  • Sexual activity through words, play, or drawing
  • Child who is sexually provocative or seductive with adults
  • Inappropriate bed-sharing arrangements at home
  • Severe sleep disturbances with fears, phobias, vivid dreams or nightmares, sometimes with overt or veiled sexual connotations
  • Eating disorders – anorexia, bulimia*
  • Bedwetting and soiling

Signs Suggesting Emotional Abuse

  • Changes or regression in mood or behaviour, particularly where a child withdraws or becomes clingy. Also depression/aggression, and extreme anxiety.
  • Nervousness, frozen watchfulness
  • Obsessions or phobias
  • Sudden under-achievement or lack of concentration
  • Inappropriate relationships with peers and/or adults
  • Attention-seeking behaviour
  • Persistent tiredness
  • Running away/stealing/lying

*These signs may indicate the possibility that a child or young person is self-harming, mostly by cutting, burning, or self-poisoning.

How to respond to a child wishing to disclose abuse

  • Whenever a child wishes to talk, where possible it should never be in a one-to-one situation- if this is the case the individual should ask another adult to come and be part of the conversation
  • At no point should individuals promise that they will not disclose the information to someone else
  • If a child discloses abuse under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should the person to whom the allegation has been made be contacted, if they are part of our organisation and the child is in danger, immediate action should be taken
  • The child should be heard in their own words.
  • Do not ask leading questions
  • Do not ask closed questions
  • Do not attempt to correct them on any words or information
  • Questions may be asked to clarify information
  • You may repeat back information to make sure you understand what they are saying to you accurately
  • For example you may ask questions such as how does that make you feel? But not does that make you feel scared?
  • The centre manager should be notified immediately following the conversation or as soon after as possible. The information should not be discussed further within the centres or with persons within the centre who are not already aware.
  • Notes should not be written during the conversation, but a copy of the conversation should then be transcribed with as much detail as possible as soon as possible including the names of those who heard the allegation firsthand, where, and when. Details of the conversation should be included incorporating words that may not make sense to the person hearing them- they may later become vital evidence.
  • A copy of the conversation should be held by the person who made the record and a copy given to the Centre Manager.
  • The Centre Manager should contact the lead trustee, Mr John Furse 07773407190 who in turn will contact the Chair of the Board of Trustees, in this instance Mr Mark Thompson and Safeguarding Officer, in this instance Mrs Nicola Langton-Miller

**If the Centre Manager is unable to contact the above and is concerned about the welfare of the child concerned and do not believe that they should be returning home they should directly contact social service (numbers include within this document) or dial 101 and seek advice.

Safer Recruitment

The leadership will ensure all workers will be appointed, trained, supported, and supervised in accordance with government guidance on safe recruitment. This includes ensuring that:

  • There is a written job description and person specification for the post
  • Those applying have completed an application form and a self-declaration form
  • Those shortlisted have been interviewed
  • Safeguarding has been discussed at the interview
  • Written references have been obtained and followed up where appropriate
  • How disclosure and barring check has been completed where necessary (we will comply with code of practice requirements concerning the fair treatment of applicants and the handling of information)
  • Qualifications where relevant have been verified
  • A suitable training program is provided for the successful applicant
  • The applicant has completed a probationary period
  • The applicant has been given a copy of the organisation’s safeguarding policy and knows how to report concerns
  • When using volunteers from outside of the UK, recommendations from their home church leaders as well as obtaining references from previous employers is accepted practice.

Management of workers – Codes of conduct

As a leadership, we are committed to supporting all workers and ensuring that they receive support and supervision. All workers have been issued with a code of conduct towards children, young people, and adults with care and support needs (Appendix 2).

The immediate care and management of workers comes under the remit of each Centre Manager.

Safeguarding awareness and training.

The Leadership is committed to ongoing safeguarding training and development opportunities for all workers, developing a culture of awareness of safeguarding issues to help protect everyone. All our workers will receive induction training and undertake recognised safeguarding training on a regular basis delivered by the Company Safeguarding Officers.

The Leadership will also ensure that children and adults with care and support needs 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, predominantly through posters within the centres for ‘Child line’ on 0800 1111 and ‘The Silver Line’ on 0800 1 69 87 87.

Section 3

Practice Guidelines

As an organisation working alongside children, young people, and adults with care and support needs 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 false or unfounded accusations.

As well as a general code of conduct for workers and volunteers we are also willing to develop good practice guidelines for any new activity that we are involved in. All of our policies and procedures for

Safeguarding will be reviewed and where required revised at the first trustee committee meeting in January of each year.

Many of our centre users arrange their own activities and programmes, however, in instances where the centres provide leadership and led programmes, guidance for Safeguarding best practice will be adhered to by all ‘leaders’ working on behalf on the Board of Trustees.

Working in Partnership

The diversity of organisations and settings means there can be great variation in practice when it comes to safeguarding children, young people and adults. This can be because of cultural tradition, belief and religious practice or understanding, for example, of what constitutes abuse.

We therefore have clear guidelines in regards to our expectations of those with whom we work in partnership, whether in the UK or not. We will discuss with all partners our safeguarding expectations and have a partnership agreement for safeguarding. It is also our expectation that any organisation using our premises, as part of the letting agreement will have their own policy that meets 31:8’s safeguarding standards.

Good communication is essential in promoting safeguarding, both to those we wish to protect, to everyone involved in working with children and adults and to all those with whom we work in partnership. This safeguarding policy is just one means of promoting safeguarding.

When external agencies are present on our premises, (beyond permanent paid staff or volunteers) we will require them to read our safeguarding policy document and sign a form to say that they have done so and give the form to the Centre Manager. In doing so, they will comply with the recommended regulations when children and vulnerable adults are on our premises. CEHC are committed to the wellbeing of everybody and so through policies such as health and safety aim to provide the safest environment for all concerned.

Section 4

Responding to allegations of abuse

Under no circumstances should a worker carry out their own investigation into an allegation or suspicion of abuse. The following procedures as below:

The person in receipt of allegations or suspicions of abuse should report concerns as soon as possible to the relevant Centre Manager or directly contact Nicola Langton-Miller (hereafter the to act on their behalf in dealing with the allegation or suspicion of neglect or abuse, including referring the matter on to the statutory authorities.

In the absence of the Safeguarding Co-ordinator or, if the suspicions in any way involve the Safeguarding Co-ordinator, then the report should be made to John Furse (hereafter the “Deputy “) telephone number 07773407190. If the suspicions implicate both the Safeguarding Co-ordinator and the Deputy, then the report should be made in the first instance to Thirtyone:Eight, PO Box 133, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7UQ. Telephone 0303 003 1111 alternatively contact Social Services or the police.

Where the concern is about a child the Safeguarding Co-ordinator should contact Children’s Social Services, where the concern is regarding an adult in need of protection contact Adult Social Services or take advice from 31:8 as above.

Beechwood Court

  • The local Children’s Social Services office Conwy telephone number (office hours) is During office hours : 01492 575111
  • The out of hours emergency number is Out of hours: 01492 515777
  • The local Adult Social Services office telephone number (office hours) is Tel: 0300 456 1111
  • The out of hours emergency number is Out-of-hours telephone: 01492 515777

The Police Protection Team telephone number is 101 or 999.

The Pleasaunce

  • The local Children’s Social Services office North Norfolk telephone number: call 0344 800 8020.
  • The local Adult Social Services office telephone number (office hours) is Tel: 0344 800 8020
  • The Police Protection Team telephone number is 101 or 999.
  • The Safeguarding Co-ordinator may need to inform others depending on the circumstances and/or nature of the concern (for example the Chair of Trustees to log that a safeguarding concern is being dealt with, Insurance company to log that there is a possibility of a serious incident concerning safeguarding or a Designated Officer (formerly LADO) if allegations have been made about a person who has a role with under 18’s elsewhere.)
  • Suspicions must not be discussed with anyone other than those nominated above. A written record of the concerns should be made in accordance with these procedures and kept in a secure place.
  • allegations or suspicions of abuse will normally be reported to the Safeguarding Co-ordinator, the absence of the Safeguarding Co-ordinator or Deputy should not delay referral to Social Services, the Police or taking advice from 31:8.
  • The Leadership will support the Safeguarding Co-ordinator/Deputy in their role, and accept that any information they may have in their possession will be shared in a strictly limited way on a need to know basis.
  • It is, of course, the right of any individual as a citizen to make a direct referral to the safeguarding agencies or seek advice from 31:8 although the Leadership hope that members of the place of worship / organisation will use this procedure. If, however, the individual with the concern feels that the Safeguarding Co-ordinator/Deputy has not responded appropriately, or where they have a disagreement with the Safeguarding Co-ordinator(s) as to the appropriateness of a referral they are free to contact an outside agency direct. We hope by making this statement that the Leadership demonstrate its commitment to effective safeguarding and the protection of all those who are vulnerable.

The role of the safeguarding co-ordinator/ deputy is to collate and clarify the precise details of the allegation or suspicion and pass this information on to statutory agencies who have a legal duty to investigate.

Detailed procedures where there is a concern about a child

Allegations of physical injury, neglect or emotional abuse.

If a child has a physical injury, a symptom of neglect or where there are concerns about emotional abuse, the Safeguarding Co-ordinator/Deputy will:

  • Contact Children’s Social Services (or 31:8) for advice in cases of deliberate injury, if concerned about a child’s safety or if a child is afraid to return home.
  • Not tell the parents or carers unless advised to do so, having contacted Children’s Social Services.
  • Seek medical help if needed urgently, informing the doctor of any suspicions.
  • For lesser concerns, (e.g. poor parenting), encourage parent/carer to seek help, but not if this places the child at risk of significant harm.
  • Where the parent/carer is unwilling to seek help, offer to accompany them. In cases of real concern, if they still fail to act, contact Children’s Social Services direct for advice.
  • Seek and follow advice given by 31:8 (who will confirm their advice in writing) if unsure whether or not to refer a case to Children’s Social Services.

Allegations of sexual abuse

In the event of allegations or suspicions of sexual abuse, the Safeguarding Co-ordinator/Deputy will:

  • Contact the Children’s Social Services Department Duty Social Worker for children and families or Police Child Protection Team direct. They will NOT speak to the parent/carer or anyone else.
  • Seek and follow the advice given by 31:8 if, for any reason, they are unsure whether or not to contact Children’s Social Services/Police. 31:8 will confirm its advice in writing for future reference.

Detailed procedures where there is a concern that an adult is in need of protection

Suspicions or allegations of abuse or harm including; physical, sexual, organisational, financial, discriminatory, neglect, self-neglect, forced marriage, modern slavery, and domestic abuse

If there is concern about any of the above, the Safeguarding Co-ordinator/Deputy will:

  • Contact the Adult Social Care Team who have responsibility under the Care Act 2014 to investigate allegations of abuse. Alternatively, 31:8 can be contacted for advice.
  • If the adult is in immediate danger or has sustained a serious injury contact the Emergency Services, informing them of any suspicions.

If there is a concern regarding spiritual abuse

The Safeguarding Co-ordinator will:

  • Identify support services for the victim i.e. counselling or other pastoral support
  • Contact 31:8 and in discussion with them will consider appropriate action with regard to the scale of the concern.

Allegations of abuse against a person who works with children/young people

If an accusation is made against a worker (whether a volunteer or paid member of staff) whilst following the procedure outlined above, the Safeguarding Co-ordinator, in accordance with Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures will need to liaise with Children’s Social Services in regards to the suspension of the worker, also making a referral to a designated officer formerly called a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

Allegations of abuse against a person who works with adults with care and support needs

The Care Act places the duty upon Adult Services to investigate situations of harm to adults with care and support needs. This may result in a range of options including action against the person or organisation causing the harm, increasing the support for the carers or no further action if the ‘victim’ chooses for no further action and they have the capacity to communicate their decision. However, this is a decision for Adult Services to decide not the organisation.

Section 5

Pastoral Care

Supporting those affected by abuse

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

We recognise that abuse comes in many forms including but not exclusively physical, sexual, emotional, neglect and spiritual. We strive to provide pastoral care and support with the guidance of the individual/s affected.

Working with offenders and those who may pose a risk.

When someone attending the organisation is known to have abused children, or is known to be a risk to adults with care and support needs, the Leadership will supervise the individual concerned and offer pastoral care, but in its safeguarding commitment to the protection of children and adults with care and support needs, set boundaries for that person, which they will be expected to keep. In some instances the Board of Trustees reserve the right to ask a person not to visit the centre, if they deem the risk to be too great given the guests in residence at the time.

CEHC operate a Whistle Blowing procedure whereby workers can raise legitimate concerns about other workers with impunity. The reporting principles are contained in the Public Disclosure Act 1998. Further information and advice can be obtained from Public Concern at Work. www.pcaw.org.uk

Faith Fact: Like any other organisation, CEHC take seriously our duty to conduct ourselves in a responsible and transparent way and to take into account legal requirements, the requirements of funding bodies, the Charity Commission and any other public body.

“As a place of worship, we will follow the principles contained in the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. Therefore we expect that all employees (paid or voluntary) will report improper actions and omissions. Whilst all malpractice and acts of discrimination will be investigated, it is especially important that suspicions of abuse are immediately reported to the safeguarding co-ordinator.”

Signed by: Mark Thompson – Chair of Christian Endeavour Holiday Centres Ltd
Date: 18th March 2023

APPENDIX – 1

Leadership Safeguarding Statement

The Leadership, namely the Board of Trustees, chaired by Mr Mark Thompson, recognizes the importance of its work with children and young people and adults in need of protection and its responsibility to protect everyone entrusted to our care.

We are committed to creating and enabling a healthy culture in order to minimise any coercion and control within our organization.

The following statement was agreed by the leadership/organisation on: 10th of May 2018

This organisation is committed to the safeguarding of children and adults with care and support needs and ensuring their well-being.

Specifically:

  • We recognise that we all have a responsibility to help prevent the physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect of children and young people (those under 18 years of age) and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.
  • We believe every child should be valued, safe and happy. We want to make sure that children we have contact with know this and are empowered to tell us if they are suffering harm.
  • All children and young people have the right to be treated with respect, to be listened to and to be protected from all forms of abuse.
  • We recognise that we all have a responsibility to help prevent the physical, sexual, psychological, financial and discriminatory abuse and neglect of adults who have care and support needs and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.
  • We recognise the personal dignity and rights of adults who find themselves victims of forced marriage or modern slavery and will ensure all our policies and procedures reflect this.
  • We believe all adults should enjoy and have access to every aspect of the life of the organisation unless they pose a risk to the safety of those we serve.
  • We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of all those who will work directly with children and adults with care and support needs.
  • We believe in the necessity of creating a healthy culture in our company where the value of all people is recognised and challenges are responded to appropriately.

We are committed to:

  • Following the requirements for UK legislation in relation to safeguarding children and adults and good practice recommendations.
  • Respecting the rights of children as described in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
  • Implementing the requirements of legislation as much as possible in regard to people with disabilities.
  • Ensuring that workers adhere to the agreed procedures of our safeguarding policy.
  • Keeping up to date with national and local developments relating to safeguarding.
  • Following any organisational guidelines in relation to safeguarding children and adults in need of protection.
  • Supporting the safeguarding co-ordinator/s in their work and in any action they may need to take in order to protect children/adults with care and support needs.
  • Ensuring that everyone agrees to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by this organisation.
  • Supporting parents, individuals and families
  • Nurturing, protecting and safeguarding of children and young people
  • Supporting, resourcing, training, monitoring and providing supervision to all those who undertake this work.
  • Supporting all in the organisation affected by abuse.
  • Adopting and following the ‘Safe and Secure’ safeguarding standards developed by the Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service.

We recognise:

  • Children’s Social Services (or equivalent) has lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about a child. Adult Social Care (or equivalent) has lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about an adult with care and support needs.
  • Where an allegation suggests that a criminal offence may have been committed then the police should be contacted as a matter of urgency.
  • Where working outside of the UK, concerns will be reported to the appropriate agencies in the country, in which we operate, and their procedures followed, and in addition we will report concerns to our agency’s headquarters.
  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Review procedure

We will review this statement and our policy and procedures annually.

If you have any concerns for a child or adult with care and support needs then speak to one of the following who have been approved as safeguarding co-ordinators for this organisation.

  • Nicola Langton-Miller – Child and Adult Safeguarding Coordinator 07732253923
  • John Furse – Deputy Child and Adult Safeguarding Coordinator 07773407190

A copy of the full policy and procedures is available from Mrs Margaret Pickering, CEHC Secretary: secretary@cehc.org.uk

Appendix 2

Code of Conduct towards Children and Vulnerable Adults

Christian Endeavour Holiday Centres Ltd behaviour code for working with children, young people and adults at risk of harm.

Purpose

This behaviour code outlines the conduct expected of all workers(staff and volunteers).

The code of conduct aims to help protect adults at risk of harm, children and young people from abuse and inappropriate behaviour from those in positions of trust, and to reduce the risk of unfounded allegations of abuse being made.

The role of workers (staff and volunteers)

When working with children and young people or adults at risk of harm, you are acting in a position of trust for CEHC Ltd. You will be seen as a role model and must act appropriately.

Good practice

  • Treat everyone with dignity, respect and fairness, and have proper regard for individuals’ interests, rights, safety and welfare
  • Work in a responsible, transparent and accountable way
  • Be prepared to challenge unacceptable behaviour or to be challenged
  • Listen carefully to those you are supporting
  • Avoid any behaviour that could be perceived as bullying, emotional abuse, harassment, physical abuse, spiritual abuse or sexual abuse (including inappropriate physical contact such as rough play and inappropriate language or gestures)
  • Seek advice from someone with greater experience when necessary
  • Work in an open environment – avoid private or unobserved situations
  • Follow policies, procedures and guidelines and report all disclosures, concerns, allegations, and suspicions to the safeguarding co-ordinator
  • Don’t make inappropriate promises, particularly in relation to confidentiality
  • Do explain to the individual what you intend to do and don’t delay taking action

Unacceptable behaviour

  • Not reporting concerns or delaying reporting concerns
  • Taking unnecessary risks
  • Any behaviour that is or may be perceived as threatening or abusive in any way
  • Passing on your personal and/or social media contact details and any contact that breaches CEHC Ltd’s social media policy
  • Developing inappropriate relationships
  • Smoking and consuming alcohol or illegal substances
  • Favouritism/exclusion – all people should be equally supported and encouraged

Breaching the Code of Conduct

If you have behaved inappropriately you will be subject to disciplinary procedures (particularly in the case of paid staff where the line manager will consult the safeguarding coordinator as appropriate). Depending on the seriousness of the situation, you may be asked to leave CEHC Ltd. We may also make a referral to statutory agencies such as the police and/or the local authority children’s or adult’s social care departments or DBS. If you become aware of a breach of this code, you should escalate your concerns to the safeguarding coordinator or line manager (in the case of a paid staff member).