A Safe and Caring Church Community

Our Commitment

Safeguarding Policy

Christ Liquid Fire Ministry (“the Church”) is fully committed to creating and maintaining a safe environment for all children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

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1. PURPOSE AND COMMITMENT

Christ Liquid Fire Ministry (“the Church”) is fully committed to creating and maintaining a safe environment for all children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We recognise our moral and legal responsibility to safeguard and promote their welfare, ensuring they are protected from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

This policy outlines the Church’s safeguarding framework, legal obligations, and the responsibilities of all leaders, staff, volunteers, and members.

2. LEGAL FRAMEWORK (UK)

This policy is informed by and complies with relevant UK legislation and guidance, including:

• Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Care Act 2014
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (latest version)
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Equality Act 2010
• Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
• Data Protection Act 2018 (UK GDPR)

3. SCOPE

This policy applies to:

• All Church leaders and trustees
• Employees and volunteers
• Contractors and visiting speakers
• Anyone acting on behalf of the Church

It covers all Church activities, whether on Church premises or elsewhere, including online activities.

4. DEFINITIONS

• Child: Anyone under the age of 18
• Vulnerable Adult: A person aged 18+ who may be in need of care and support and is unable to protect themselves
• Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, financial abuse, spiritual abuse, and domestic abuse

5. SAFEGUARDING PRINCIPLES

The Church commits to:

• Valuing, listening to, and respecting all individuals
• Appointing a designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
• Recruiting safely with appropriate checks (including DBS checks)
• Providing safeguarding training for all relevant personnel
• Responding promptly and appropriately to concerns
• Working in partnership with statutory authorities

6. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

6.1 Trustees / Leadership Team

• Ensure safeguarding policy is implemented and reviewed annually
• Appoint a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) and deputy
• Ensure compliance with legal obligations
• Provide resources for safeguarding

6.2 Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

• Act as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns
• Maintain confidential records
• Liaise with local authorities, police, and safeguarding agencies
• Ensure appropriate action is taken in all cases

6.3 Staff and Volunteers

• Follow safeguarding procedures at all times
• Attend required training
• Report any concerns immediately
• Maintain professional boundaries

7. SAFER RECRUITMENT

The Church will ensure:

• Completion of application forms
• Interviews and reference checks
• Identity verification
• Appropriate DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks
• Safeguarding training before role commencement

No individual will begin regulated activity without appropriate clearance.

8. CODE OF CONDUCT

All workers must:

• Treat everyone with dignity and respect
• Avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable adult where possible
• Use appropriate language and behaviour
• Not engage in physical contact that could be misinterpreted
• Not develop inappropriate relationships
• Avoid private communication (e.g., social media messaging) without accountability

9. RECOGNISING ABUSE

Abuse may include:

• Physical Abuse: Hitting, shaking, or causing injury
• Emotional Abuse: Bullying, threats, intimidation
• Sexual Abuse: Any sexual activity without consent
• Neglect: Failure to meet basic needs
• Financial Abuse: Misuse of money or assets
• Spiritual Abuse: Misuse of religious authority to control or harm

10. REPORTING PROCEDURES

10.1 Immediate Risk

If someone is in immediate danger:

• Call emergency services (999)

10.2 Non-Emergency Concerns

• Report immediately to the DSO
• Record facts accurately (date, time, details)
• Do not investigate yourself
• Maintain confidentiality

10.3 External Reporting

The DSO will contact:

• Local Authority Safeguarding Team
• Police (if criminal activity suspected)
• NSPCC helpline if appropriate

11. RECORD KEEPING

• All safeguarding concerns must be documented
• Records must be stored securely and confidentially
• Access limited to authorised personnel
• Retention in line with legal requirements

12. CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION

• Information will be shared on a “need-to-know” basis only
• Compliance with UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018
• Individuals will be informed where appropriate unless doing so increases risk

13. ONLINE SAFEGUARDING

• Monitor online interactions involving children and vulnerable adults
• Ensure parental consent for online participation where required
• Avoid private messaging without oversight
• Use secure platforms for communication

14. HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Risk assessments conducted for all activities
• Adequate supervision ratios maintained
• First aid provision available
• Incident reporting procedures in place

15. WHISTLEBLOWING

All workers are encouraged to report concerns about unsafe practices or behaviour. Concerns can be raised:

• With the DSO
• With Church leadership
• Directly to external authorities if necessary

No one will be penalised for raising genuine concerns.

16. MANAGING ALLEGATIONS AGAINST STAFF OR VOLUNTEERS

• All allegations taken seriously
• Immediate safeguarding action taken
• Referral made to Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) where required
• Suspension considered where appropriate
• Full cooperation with investigations

17. TRAINING

• Safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers
• Regular refresher training
• Role-specific safeguarding guidance

18. POLICY REVIEW

• Reviewed annually
• Updated in line with legislation and best practice
• Approved by Church leadership