Safeguarding Policy Statement

Introduction

Paraklesis is a project of the registered charity “My Ministry” founded in 2021. We primarily work to support children’s, youth, families ministers and other professional across the UK with a particular focus on empowering and equipping the local church to thrive in ministry with children, young people and families.

Purpose of the policy statement

The purpose of this policy statement is:

To protect children, young people and adults who receive support and services from My Ministry / Paraklesis.
To provide staff and volunteers, trustees and those we support, with the overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding.

This policy statement applies to anyone working on behalf of My Ministry / Paraklesis, including the board of trustees, paid staff, volunteers, consultants, agency staff and students.

Legislation

This policy statement has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults across the UK. In addition, we would like to reference “A Safer Church” published by the Church of England - here you can find details of how you can contact the Church of England’s national safeguarding team and also support from other organisations who specialise in safeguarding and child protection.

Supporting Documents

This policy statement is produced in conjunction with the following organisational policies, procedures, guidance and other related documents :

Dealing with disclosures and concerns about a child, young person or adult.
Managing allegations against trustees, staff and volunteers
Code of conduct for staff and volunteers
Safer Recruitment
Whistleblowing
Health and Safety

We Recognise That :

The welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take.
Working in partnership with other organisations is essential in promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
All children, regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm and abuse.
Some children, young people and adults are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.
Extra safeguards may be needed to keep children and young people who are additionally vulnerable safe from abuse.

We will seek to keep children, young people and vulnerable adults safe by :

Valuing, listening to and respecting them.
Appointing a nominated safeguarding lead.
Adopting child protection and safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and code of conduct for trustees, staff and volunteers.
Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through support and training so that all staff and volunteers know about and follow our policies, procedures and behaviour codes confidently and competently.
Recruiting and selecting staff and volunteers safely ensuring all necessary checks are made.
Recording and storing and using information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance.
Sharing information about safeguarding and good practice with those we work with and support.
Making sure that those we support and work with know where to go for help if they have a concern.
Using our safeguarding and child protection procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know in an appropriate way.
Using our procedures to manage allegations against trustees, staff and volunteers appropriately.
Ensuring that we have effective complaints and whistleblowing measures in place.
Building a safeguarding culture where staff and volunteers, children, young people and vulnerable adults are comfortable sharing their concerns.

Trustee / Senior Lead for Safeguarding and Child Protection

Name : Peter Mansell
Email : peter@paraklesis.org.uk

NSPCC Helpline

0800 800 5000

We are committed to reviewing our policies and good practice annually.

This policy was last reviewed : June 2022

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