Principles
- MCCP recognises that everyone has different levels of vulnerability and that each of us may be regarded as vulnerable at some time in our lives.
- As Trustees of MCCP we commit ourselves to respectful care for all children or adults involved in or serviced by the charity.
- MCCP adopts the safeguarding guidelines of the Methodist Church and Sheffield Methodist District
- It is the responsibility of each MCCP Trustee to prevent the physical, emotional, sexual, financial or spiritual abuse of children or vulnerable people and to report any such abuse that is discovered or suspected.
Policy Aims
- To enable all adults and children to experience the love of God
- To help all adults and children to realise their full potential physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually
- To provide a safe meeting place for all
- To promote equality of opportunity for all
We are committed to:
- The safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, ensuring their well-being in the activities run by the charity.
- Promoting safe practice by those in positions of trust.
- Promoting the inclusion and empowerment of people who may be vulnerable.
- Exercising proper care in the appointment and selection of those who will work with people who may be vulnerable, through Safer Recruitment
- Supporting, resourcing, training and regularly reviewing those who undertake work amongst people who may be vulnerable.
Application of the Policy
All new workers, whether paid or voluntary, working for MCCP, will be informed of the policy by the Safeguarding Officer. They will be expected to accept the policy and guidelines and work according to their requirements. The policy will displayed in a prominent place at Temple Park Centre.
All new members of the Board of Trustees of MCCP will be required to accept the policy and guidelines. MCCP will oversee the Policy, and it will be placed on the Agenda of the MCCP at least annually for review. The Board of Trustees of MCCP will appoint a Safeguarding Officer, currently Philippa Dand.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
MCCP accepts Thirtyone: eight’s definition of a vulnerable adult as:
Any adult aged 18 or over who, due to disability, mental function, age or illness or traumatic circumstances, may not be able to take care or protect themselves against the risk of significant harm, abuse, bullying, harassment, mistreatment or exploitation.
Some of the factors which may increase vulnerability include:
- Sensory or physical disability or impairment
- A learning disability
- A physical illness
- Mental ill health (including dementia), chronic or acute
- Addiction to alcohol, drugs or other substances
- The failing faculties in old age
- A permanent or temporary reduction in physical, mental or emotional capacity brought about by life events, eg bereavement, previous abuse, trauma or family breakdown
Safeguarding Children
MCCP accepts the statutory definition of a child as:
Anyone who has not yet reached their eighteenth birthday. The fact that a child has reached 16 years of age, is living independently or is in further education, a member of the armed forces, in hospital or in custody in the secure estate, does not change their status or entitlements to services or protection. (Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018.)
This document covers the work of MCCP with children and young people, currently comprising occasional seasonal days and events at Temple Park Centre and St Swithun’s Church. It also covers any work undertaken outside of the above buildings carried out under the auspices of MCCP.
Good Practice in Safeguarding
We believe that good practice means:
- All people are treated with respect and dignity.
- Those who act on behalf of MCCP should not meet or work alone with a child or vulnerable adult where the activity cannot be seen unless this is necessary for pastoral reasons, in which case a written record will be made and kept noting date, time and place of visit.
- Temple Park Centre premises will be assessed by Trustees at least annually for safety for children, young people and vulnerable adults and a written risk assessment report will be reviewed annually. This will include fire safety procedures. Trustees will consider the extent to which the premises and equipment are suitable or should be made more suitable.
- Any transport of children, young people or vulnerable adults organised by MCCP will be checked to ensure thatthe vehicle is suitable and insured and that the driver and escort (where required) are appropriate. A record should be kept on file for each driver/car.
- Activity risk assessments will be undertaken before any activity takes place to minimise the risk of harm to those involved. Approval will be obtained from the Line Manager or Trustees and a written record of the assessment will be retained securely.
Temple Park Centre
Any organisation booking the use of Temple Park Centre will be informed of the need to observe the policy via a statement on the Booking Form. They should be expected to confirm they have their own Safeguarding Policy and appropriate insurance. Individuals booking Temple Park Centre premises for private functions will have the policy drawn to their attention and accept their responsibility for protecting children at that function.
Recruitment
MCCP will follow the Safer Recruitment Policy as outlined by the Methodist Church. Appointment to any post, paid or voluntary, will not be made until these processes are complete. All appointments will be made on a conditional basis until the completion of a satisfactory probationary period. All those working with children and young people will follow the good practice guidelines from this policy and the Methodist Church.
Registration and Parental Consent
All activities will keep a register of those attending each session. Parental consent forms, including emergency contact details, must be completed for all participants in children/young people’s activities, and must be available to group leaders whenever the group meets. This applies to all groups, whether meeting in Temple Park Centre or elsewhere.
Consent to photographs and videos must be obtained from the parent/carer of under 18s and from any adult or child over the age of 13, and kept as a record.
Insurance
MCCP will ensure that there is adequate insurance cover for all activities for children and young people.
Fire Regulations and Security
All group leaders will be aware of fire regulations and the positions of fire extinguishers. They should conduct a fire drill at least once a year. They will be vigilant as to the presence of anyone on the premises during the meetings of the groups. They should know who to contact in an emergency relating to the building.
Food and Hygiene
If any group is involved in the preparation or selling of food, at least one leader should have completed the food hygiene and food safety course to ensure good practice is followed, and certificates should be displayed.
First Aid and Accidents
Each group will have at least one adult present who has attended a basic course on first aid. Names of such adults will be recorded. There should be a properly stocked first aid kit accessible in the Reception area. In the event of any accident, an incident and accident report form should be completed. This should be kept securely in a marked file. Parents should also be informed of any accident.
Allegations
If an allegation is received concerning the behaviour of an adult, the Methodist reporting procedure will be followed.
Concerns About or Reported by a Child
MCCP will follow the Methodist Guidelines and report the concern to the Sheffield District Safeguarding Officer. In an emergency or if an individual is at immediate risk the appropriate emergency services will be contacted. All such concerns or incidents should be recorded and kept in a confidential place.
Training
Group leaders and helpers are expected to complete Safeguarding Training appropriate to their role, namely Foundation Training and Advanced Training where appropriate.
Use of Social Media
Social media, including text messages and email, will be used responsibly and in accordance with the Methodist guidelines, particularly when communicating with children or young people.
Safeguarding Officer
A named individual will be appointed by the MCCP Board of Trustees as the MCCP Safeguarding Officer, to act as the key person to speak on behalf of vulnerable people within the charity and to outside bodies. Ideally the appointed person will have some experience in this field. The MCCP Safeguarding Officer will be recruited using Safer Recruitment, and their name and contact details will be displayed at Temple Park Centre.
MCCP Safeguarding Officers:
SG Leads:
Philippa Dand Mob: 07818 153581
Annabel Terry Tel: 0114 2307295
SG Deputy Officer:
Lisa Wigfield Mob: 07547160625