Safeguarding Policy

This policy and code of practice applies to all Trustees, Associates, Representatives, Staff (paid and voluntary), and anyone else representing Bibles for Children. It has been prepared to comply with all published guidance and legal requirements.

The purpose of the policy is twofold:

Firstly, to ensure that as far as possible all who are representing Bibles for Children operate in an environment in which children are secure, respected, protected from all forms of abuse and given material which stimulates thought and enhances personal, educational and spiritual growth.

Secondly, that all who represent Bibles for Children are as far as possible themselves protected against malicious or unfounded allegations from others.

To comply with these objectives, the Trustees believe that children should be taught, using age-appropriate methods, how to assess and manage risk, and that all those representing the charity themselves need to assess any risks, both to the children and to themselves, and take appropriate measures to ameliorate them.

Normally, the Bibles which the charity supplies are distributed to pupils within a recognised school environment where we would expect a satisfactory safeguarding environment to be in place. Where a representative of this charity is involved, we expect them to ensure that a qualified member of the school teaching staff is always present. Individuals who are likely to encounter circumstances where this is not the case, should only proceed if they have the necessary up-to-date clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Those representing the charity should take care when arriving and leaving school premises to follow school car parking procedures, report to the school office and comply with any school signing-in system. Care should be taken to only use toilet facilities provided for adults. Whilst on school premises, all those representing Bibles for Children should ensure that any talk or address to children only contains educational material. Controversial material should be presented in a balanced way.

When operating in church premises, those representing the charity should ensure that a member of the church or school staff is always in attendance whilst children are present.

In all cases, Bibles for Children recommends that those representing the charity should avoid being alone with a child, children or young person(s) unless they have the appropriate clearance in place.

The Trustees of Bibles for Children have appointed a Designated Trustee for Safeguarding and a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) who is available to give advice and direction and who can also give information about other organisations when this is required. Further training can also be given when requested or otherwise deemed necessary.

Complaints and Disclosure procedures

Any matters of concern or allegations against any member of the Charity should in the first instance be directed to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) who will provide a correct method of dealing with them. Any disclosures or concerns about a child or young person should also be directed to the DSO who will provide advice and the procedure to follow. Access to confidential information is restricted to the DSO and the Safeguarding Trustee. It may be passed to appropriate external authorities when legally required to do so.

Any complaints or concerns regarding the DSO or the Safeguarding Trustee should be referred to the Chairman.

The Trustees are committed to reviewing this policy and statement of good practice at
least annually.

Contact details:

Safeguarding Officer (DSO):

Chair and Trustee for Safeguarding:

CEOP:

NSPCC Helpline:

Tel: 0808 8005000