Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Policy 

Section 1

Details of the place of organisation:

Jubilee Holidays

84 Hayes Lane, Timperley, Altrincham, WA14 6EQ

Tel No: 07306 077261

info@jubileeholidays.co.uk

Senior Leader: Sarah Court

07306 077261

Senior Leader Email: sarah@jubileeholidays.co.uk

Safeguarding Coordinator: Sally Walker-Smith

Safeguarding Coordinator Contact Telephone: 07866412287

Safeguarding Coordinator Contact email: safeguarding@jubileeholidays.co.uk

Insurance Company: Aviva Insurance via Q Underwriting

Jubilee Holidays provides affordable holidays and short breaks especially, but not exclusively, for families and young people who would otherwise be unable to attend due to financial hardship or social circumstances and who are linked with a place of Christian worship or a Christian organisation.

Section 2:  Introduction

Good governance helps an organisation prevent abuse and means it can respond quickly and with integrity when concerns arise. Central to this, is the Board of Trustees  

The Board of Trustees organisation or charity and have a critical role in decision making and compliance as well as setting the values, standards and behaviours of the organisation.

The standards and behaviours may be referred to as the culture of the organisation or “the way we do things around here”. Culture can be shaped in both negative and positive ways.

“The culture of a charity goes beyond mere compliance with legal and regulatory demands. Charity governance is most effective when it provides assurances not just that legal requirements are met, but that the behaviour of people working for the charity, and those who come into contact with it, is proper and ethical. Culture, alongside good governance, can be pivotal to whether a charity achieves its stated object”  (ICSA The Governance Institute, 2017)

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 behaviour which could be misinterpreted.

As of April 2022 it is illegal (England and Wales)(Northern Ireland) 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 to also build an open culture where:

• • those who lead do so by example and are committed to the safeguarding of all
  • those that 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.

Our commitment

As Trustees 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 Trustees we have therefore adopted the procedures set out in this safeguarding policy in accordance with statutory guidance. We are committed to build constructive links with statutory and voluntary agencies involved in safeguarding.

A safeguarding statement which we will display can be found in APPENDIX 1.

The policy and any attached practice guidelines are based on the ten safeguarding standards published by Thirtyone:eight (thiryoneeight.org/ten-standards)

Section 3

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.

To safeguard those in our organisation 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:

1. 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 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:

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. APPENDIX 2.

Safer recruitment

The Trustees will ensure all employees 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 / person specification for the post
  • Those applying have completed an application form
  • Those short listed have been interviewed
  • Safeguarding has been discussed at interview
  • Written references have been obtained, and followed up where appropriate
  • A self-declaration form and disclosure and barring check (DBS) 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 programme 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.

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

• • There is a written descriptor for the role
  • Those volunteering have completed an application form
  • Written references have been obtained, and followed up where appropriate
  • A self-declaration form and disclosure and barring check (DBS) has been completed where necessary (we will comply with Code of Practice requirements concerning the fair treatment of applicants and the handling of information)
  • The applicant has been given a copy of the organisation’s safeguarding policy and knows how to report concerns.

Safeguarding training

The Trustees are committed to on-going 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.

The Trustees 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.

Practice Guidelines

As an organisation working with 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 accusation.

We have specific good practice guidelines for every activity we are involved in and these are attached or in the appendices.

For some activities we will need specific forms, e.g. consent forms, risk assessments etc. The relevant forms will be added to the safeguarding policy appendix when applicable.

Management of Workers – Codes of Conduct

As Trustees we are committed to supporting all workers and ensuring 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, and will be given clear expectations about what is expected of them both within their job role and out. They will also receive further training as necessary.

Disclosure barring checks

DBS checks will be carried out every three years in line with our insurance.

Section 4:

Partnership working

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 with 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.

We believe 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.

Section 5

Responding to allegations of abuse

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

• • Documenting a concern

The worker or volunteer should make a report of the concern in the following way:

• • The person in receipt of allegations or suspicions of abuse should report concerns as soon as possible to:

Name: Sally Walker-Smith

Tel: 07866412287

Email: safeguarding@jubileeholidays.co.uk

The above is nominated by the Trustees 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:

Name: Sarah Court

Tel:  07306077261

Email: info@jubileeholidays.co.uk

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.

Tel: 0303 003 1111.  Option 2

Alternatively contact Social Services or the police.

• • The Safeguarding Co-ordinator should contact the appropriate agency or they may first ring the thirtyone:eight helpline for advice. They should then contact social services in the area the child or adult lives.

Name of local authority: Trafford

Children’s Social Services

Tel: 0161 912 5125

Out of hours Tel: 0161 912 2020

Website Address: www.trafford.gov.uk

Adult Social Services

Tel: 0161 912 5199

Out of hours Tel: 0161 912 2020

Website Address: www.trafford.gov.uk

Police Protection Team Tel: 999

Name of local authority: North Yorkshire Council   01748829100

Children’s Social Services

Tel: 0300 131 2131

Out of hours Tel: 0300 131 2131

Website Address: www.northyorks.gov.uk

Adult Social Services

Tel: 0300 131 2131

Out of hours Tel: 0300 131 2131

Website Address: www.northyorks.gov.uk

Police Protection Team Tel: 999

• • The Safeguarding Co-ordinator may need to inform others depending on the circumstances and/or nature of the concern
  • Chair or trustee responsible for safeguarding who may need to liaise with the insurance company or the charity commission to report a serious incident.
  • Designated officer or LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) if the allegation concerns a worker or volunteer working with someone under 18.
  • 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.
  • Whilst 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 Thirtyone:eight.
  • The Trustees 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 Thirtyone:eight, although the Trustees hope that members of the 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-ordinators to the appropriateness of a referral they are free to contact an outside agency direct. We hope by making this statement that the Trustees demonstrate their 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 Thirtyone:eight) 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 Thirtyone:eight (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 Thirtyone:eight if for any reason they are unsure whether or not to contact Children’s Social Services/Police. Thirtyone:eight will confirm its advice in writing for future reference.

Detailed procedures where there is a concern that an adult needs protection:

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

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

• • Identify support services for the victim i.e., counselling or other pastoral support
  • Contact Thirtyone:eight and in discussion with them will consider appropriate action with regards 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:

• • Liaise with Children’s Social Services regarding the suspension of the worker
  • Make a referral to a designated officer formerly called a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) whose function is to handle all allegations against adults who work with children and young people whether in a paid or voluntary capacity.
  • Make a referral to Disclosure and Barring Service for consideration of the person being placed on the barred list for working with children or adults with additional care and support needs. This decision should be informed by the LADO if they are involved.

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

The safeguarding co-ordinator will:

• • Liaise with Adult Social Services in regards the suspension of the worker
  • Make a referral to the DBS following the advice of Adult Social Services

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 church.

Section 6

Pastoral Care

Supporting those affected by abuse

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

Working with offenders and those who may pose a risk

When someone attending the place of worship / organisation is known to have abused children, is under investigation, or is known to be a risk to adults with care and support needs; the Trustees 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. These boundaries will be based on a risk assessment and through consultation with appropriate parties.

APPENDIX 1:

Safeguarding statement

Policy Statement on Safeguarding

To be displayed in a prominent place

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS – POLICY STATEMENT

Name of organisation: Jubilee Holidays

The following statement was agreed by the Trustees on: 24/07/2023

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

• • We recognise that we all have a responsibility to help prevent harm or abuse to children and adults with care and support needs in all their recognised forms.

• • We recognise that the personal dignity and rights of adults and children and will ensure all our policies and procedures will reflect this.

• • We believe all people should enjoy and have access to every aspect of the life of the organisation.

• • We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of those who will work with children and adults with care and support needs.

• • We believe every child and adult should be valued, safe and happy. We want to make sure that all those we have contact with know this and are empowered to tell us if they are experiencing significant harm.

We are committed to: 

• • Following statutory and specialist guidelines in relation to safeguarding children and adults and will ensure that as an organisation all workers will work within the agreed procedure of our safeguarding policy.

• • Implementing the requirements of all relevant legislation including, but not limited to; Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018, the Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005, Equality Act 2010 and referring concerns about adults with care and support needs to the local authority under the Care Act 2014.

• • Supporting, resourcing and training those who undertake this work.

• • Ensuring that we are keeping up to date with national and local developments relating to safeguarding.

• • Ensuring that everyone agrees to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by this organisation.

• 
  
  • Supporting all in the organisation affected by abuse.

We recognise:

• • Children’s Social Services has lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about a child. Adult Social Care 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.

• • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

We will review this statement and our policy annually.

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

Sally Walker-Smith Safeguarding Co-Ordinator

 Sarah Court Deputy Safeguarding Co-Ordinator