SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT
(TWFTWUK) 6th July 2023
Our Vision:
The UK Support Base of TWFTW was set up in 2009 in order to raise the profile of our work in Europe, Africa & Asia, and to raise funds for various projects. Our vision is to see “the glory of God through transformed lives, by the power of his Word, in everyone’s heart language”, and our goal is to be instrumental in completing first-time translations of the entire Bible in 1000 languages by the year 2050.
Our Safeguarding Responsibilities:
TWFTW UK recognises that it has a responsibility in safeguarding all children, young people and adults at risk (regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability) that we may come into contact with whilst carrying out our duties.
Prevention and Reporting of Abuse:
It is the duty of each employee, board member, or volunteer to help prevent the abuse of children and adults at risk. Any abuse disclosed, discovered or suspected will be reported in accordance with our procedures. TWFTW will fully co-operate with any statutory investigation into any suspected abuse linked with our organisation.
Safer recruitment, support and supervision of workers:
TWFTW will exercise proper care in the selection and appointment of any who might work alongside children and adults at risk, here in the UK, whether paid or voluntary. All such workers will be provided with appropriate training to promote the safekeeping of children and adults at risk.
Respecting children and adults at risk:
TWFTW will look at adopting a code of behaviour for all who may work with children and adults whilst working here in the UK, so that all children and adults are shown the respect that is due to them.
Safer working practices:
We are committed to providing an environment that is as safe as possible for children and adults at risk.
A safer community:
We are committed to the prevention of bullying, and will therefore seek to ensure that the behaviour of any individuals working with TWFTW who may pose a risk to children, young people and adults at risk in the community in which we work is managed appropriately.
Safeguarding contact:
TWFTW UK has appointed the following individual to report on safeguarding matters: Steve Lancaster (Designated Person for Safeguarding DPS)will advise TWFTW UK on any matters related to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk that we may work with, and take the appropriate action when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected. Phone number: 07388 268895. Email: stevelancs@twftw.org
Safeguarding Trustee: Barry Funnell will oversee and monitor the implementation of the policy and procedures on behalf of TWFTW UK. Phone number: 07508 920602. Email: bfun@twftw.org
Where possible, this team will work together if and when issues arise. However, each person within TWFTW UK has a responsibility to report allegations of abuse as soon as they are raised, using the Safeguarding Incident Report Form in our Policy & Procedures manual. This Incident Form should be passed to the Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS) within 24 hours of any incident or concern arising. Do not delay reporting your concerns to the DPS because you do not have all the information requested in this form. Where there is an immediate risk of harm, please call the DPS straight away and use this form to follow up on that call. Remember if they are not available call the police or social services, do not wait for the DPS to be available.
Putting our policy into practice:
- Each worker/trustee that works with children and/or adults at risk as part of their TWFTW UK role, will be given a copy of the safeguarding policy.
- A copy of the policy will be made available, on request, to anyone associated with TWFTW UK.
- The policy and procedures will be monitored and reviewed annually, and any necessary revisions adopted into the policy and implemented through our procedures.
TWFTW UK Code of Conduct
Our code of behaviour applies to all those working with children and/or adults at risk so that everyone is shown the respect that is due to them:
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
- Think about language and tone of voice that you are using when engaging with children, young people and adults at risk. Be aware of your body language and the effect you are having on the those you are working with. This applies to both in person and online interactions.
- Listen well to everyone. Be careful not to assume you know what a child or adult at risk is thinking or feeling. Listen to what is being spoken and how it is said. At the same time, observe the individual’s body language to better understand what is being said.
- Be aware of any physical contact you may have with a child or adult at risk and record it when necessary. For instance, if you need to stop a fight, administer First Aid, give a hug to someone in distress, or protect yourself or others from danger.
- Do not make sexually suggestive comments about, or to a child/adult at risk, even in ‘fun’.
- Do not scapegoat, belittle, ridicule or reject a child or adult at risk.
- Keep a record of any significant incidents or concerns on a Safeguarding Incident Form which will be reviewed by the TWFTW UK Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS) or the Safeguarding Trustee. The record should include the names of all those present and anything of note which you observe, and any disclosures or allegations made.
What to do if you have concerns
If a child or adults tells you of abuse:
1. Listen to the child or adult and make sure they are not in current danger. If they are, do what you can to protect them.
2. Write down what you have been told, using the words used at the time.
3. Don’t make promises you can’t keep, but tell the child or vulnerable adult you will make sure someone knows so they can help.
If you don’t know the answer to a question or feel out of your depth, seek advice and if appropriate, refer the person to another agency. Know where you can access information about other relevant services.
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