Message from our Designated Safeguarding Lead

Safeguarding Policy for Arukah Sanctuary

Introduction

Arukah Sanctuary is committed to promoting the welfare and safety of all individuals, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults involved in our church community. We believe that everyone has the right to be protected and respected, and we recognize our responsibility to safeguard them from harm.

This safeguarding policy sets out our commitment to ensuring the well-being of all individuals who come into contact with our church, including members, visitors, and volunteers. It outlines the procedures we have in place to prevent and respond to concerns about potential abuse or harm, and the steps we take to promote a safe and inclusive environment for all.

Key Principles

1. At Arukah Sanctuary, we believe that:

- Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We all have a duty to recognize the signs of abuse and respond appropriately to concerns.

- All individuals have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their age, gender, race, religion, or any other characteristic.

- Any form of abuse or harm is unacceptable and will not be tolerated within our church community.

- We must be proactive in safeguarding individuals by creating and maintaining a safe and secure environment for all.

. 

DEFINITIONS 

· Children and young adults Those under the age of 18. 

Vulnerable adults 

As defined in Section 59 of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults 

Groups Act 2006 and / or those persons aged 18 and over who by reason of mental or any other disability, age or illness are, or may be, unable to look after or to protect themselves against harm or exploitation. 

Adults at risk of harm 

· Defined as people aged 18 years or over who may need or receive 

· community care services by reason of mental health or other 

· disability, age or illness and who may be unable to take care of 

· themselves or protect themselves against significant harm or 

· exploitation. 

· Abuse Sexual abuse (inappropriate behaviour or relationship) including rape, 

· indecent exposure, sexual harassment, teasing or innuendo or sexual 

· acts to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting. 

· Physical abuse including assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, restraint, 

· or inappropriate physical sanctions. 

· Emotional abuse including threats of harm or abandonment, 

· deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation. 

· Neglect including ignoring medical, emotional, or physical care needs. 

· Female Genital Mutilation. 

· Exploitation including theft, fraud, sexual, forced marriage, forced 

· labour through modern slavery and/or human trafficking. 

· Grooming (e.g., for a sexual, criminal or radicalisation intent). 

· Domestic violence. 

· Bullying, including cyber bullying. 

· Victimisation. 

· Self-harm such as neglecting to care for personal hygiene, health or 

· surroundings. 

Vulnerable Person 

Substantially dependent upon others in performing basic physical 

· functions, or their ability to communicate with other providing 

· services, or to communicate with others, is severely impaired. 

· Living in in sheltered housing or residential accommodation, such as a 

· care home or a residential special school. 

· Receiving any form of health domiciliary care in their own home. 

· Detained in a prison, remand centre, young offender institution, 

· secure training centre or attendance centre or under the powers of the 

· Immigration and Asylum Act. 

· In contact with probation services. 

· Receiving a welfare service. 

· Under-represented group. 

· Acting as a carer for another family member. 

· Background in offending or is showing signs of being drawn in to 

· antisocial or criminal behaviour. 

· Has a disability or social need. 

· Has special educational needs (whether they have a statutory 

· Education, Health and Care Plan). 

· Lives ‘In Care’ or has recently transitioned out of Care. 

· Is a young carer. 

· Is frequently missing or goes missing from care or from home. 

· Is within a family circumstance presenting challenges. 

Safeguarding concern Referred to as Concern throughout this document.

Policy Implementation

1. Safeguarding Lead: Arukah Sanctuary has designated a Safeguarding Lead who is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy and ensuring that all safeguarding measures are in place and up to date. The Safeguarding Lead is also responsible for responding to concerns raised about potential abuse or harm.

2. Safeguarding Training: All staff, volunteers, and leaders involved in the church are required to undergo safeguarding training to familiarize themselves with the signs of abuse, reporting procedures, and best practices for safeguarding individuals. Training will be provided on a regular basis and include updates on relevant policies and legislation.

3. Code of Conduct: All individuals connected with Arukah Sanctuary are expected to adhere to a Code of Conduct that outlines acceptable behaviours and expectations when working with vulnerable individuals. This includes respecting boundaries, maintaining confidentiality, and reporting any concerns promptly.

4. Risk Assessments: Regular risk assessments will be conducted to identify potential risks or vulnerabilities within the church community and take steps to mitigate them. This may include implementing safeguarding measures, ensuring appropriate supervision, and establishing clear guidelines for all activities.

5. Reporting Procedures: Any concerns or suspicions about abuse or harm must be reported to the Safeguarding Lead immediately. All reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly, following established procedures and guidelines for safeguarding.

6. Support and Signposting: Arukah Sanctuary will provide support to individuals who have experienced or witnessed abuse, including access to counselling, advocacy, and appropriate signposting to external support services.

REPORTING A SAFEGUARDING CONCERN

Concern about vulnerable person If any person raises a concern about either their own personal welfare and wellbeing, or the personal welfare and wellbeing of another vulnerable person, Volunteer must listen to and record all information on Safeguarding. 

The following rules must be applied when completing the Form: 

• Make no judgements or assumptions.

• Take any actions required to secure the immediate safety of the child or the adult at risk. 

• Ask the vulnerable person for their consent to refer the concern to the DSL.

• If the safety and / or wellbeing of the vulnerable person is at risk and you believe the risk would increase if additional support and guidance is not sought, refer the matter to the DSL even if the vulnerable person does not give their consent for you to do so. The DSL will then decide the appropriate course of action.

• If a referral is made to an external organization / agency is appropriate the DSL will complete a Safeguarding Escalation Form. 

• Give the original Form to the DSL. Volunteers must be always mindful of confidentiality. No follow up information should be passed on to a person who raised a concern without the express consent of the Vulnerable person.

Arukah Sanctuary is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where all individuals are valued and protected. This safeguarding policy outlines our commitment to preventing harm, responding to concerns, and promoting the well-being of everyone within our church community. By working together to uphold these principles, we can ensure that Arukah Sanctuary remains a safe and welcoming place for all.

Safeguarding   and Welfare Team

Evanglist Christopher   Falola (DLS) staff@arukahsanctuary.org 

07961081982

Rev   Joseph Adekunle – Welfare Officer /Governor (DDLS)

07538513313

Director.   Moses Nelson – Head of Units/Welfare -07417552917

Children   Teachers 

Reverend   Mother. Patricia Thompson -07594068899

Sister.   AnnMarie Thompson-07594068899

Reverend   Mother Blessing

Emergency/   Contacts IAG

· Police   999 

· Advice   on talking therapies including contact details of counsellors 

· Samaritans   0845 790 9090 

· Citizens   Advice Bureau 0345 404 0506 

· Age   UK 0800 678 

· Robin   Brivio - 03301 651 200 

Contacts   

Sandwell   Children’s Trust on 0121 569 3100

METSEC   House,

Broadwell   Road,

Oldbury,

West   Midlands,

B69 4HE

Telephone:   0121 569 4800

Dudley   Safeguarding People Partnership 3-5 St James's Road, Dudley, West Midlands   DY1 1HZ Tell Us your concerns For children 0300 555 0050.

BSMHFT   has a designated Safeguarding Team, and you 

can   contact them on 0121 301 1100 (Monday - Friday 9-4 

pm) for   general advice and information about 

safeguarding   children and adults. 

Local   contacts

National   Contacts: Thirtyone:eight (formerly   known as CCPAS – the Church’s Child Protection Advisory Service): 0303

003   1111

Action   on Elder Abuse Helpline: 0800 0699 784

ChildLine:   0800 1111

NSPCC:   Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000

Policy reviewer: Reverend Nathalie Dawud 

Review Date. 03.11.2024

Relevant Policies

· Health and Safety 

· Risk Assessment 

· Prevent Strategy

· Recording and Reporting 

· Data Protection 

· Whistle Blowing

· Safeguarding pack

· Code of Conduct

Registered Body: