Safeguarding

At WYWT we take our safeguarding very seriously. If you have any concerns that you need to follow up on, please get in touch with the relevant people through our “Safeguarding Team” page.

Below is a copy of our safeguarding statement:

Overview

This Policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the Children’s Act 1989 and in line with the following;

  • The ten Safe and Secure safeguarding standards published by the Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service Thirtyone:eight (formerly Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service CCPAS)
  • The Oxfordshire County Council Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy (2017)

The Trustees of Woodstock Youth Work Trust takes seriously its responsibility under section 11 of the Children Act and duties under “working together” to safeguard and promote the welfare of children; to work together with other agencies to ensure adequate arrangements exist within our activities to identify, and support those children who are suffering harm or are likely to suffer harm.

We recognise that all trustees, staff and volunteers have a full and active part to play in protecting our participants from harm, and that the child’s welfare is our paramount concern.

All those in positions of trust need to understand the power this can give them over those they care for and the responsibility they have because of this relationship.

It is vital that all workers ensure they do not, even unknowingly, use their position of power and authority inappropriately. They should always maintain professional boundaries and avoid behaviour which could be misinterpreted.

As of April 2022 it is illegal (England and Wales)(Northern Ireland) for those in Positions of Trust in a faith setting to engage in sexual activity with a 16 or 17 year old under their care or supervision.

The following Safeguarding Policy and Statement aims, to not only meet the requirements of ensuring a safe environment for those accessing activities in our organisation but to also build an open culture where:

  • those who lead do so by example,
  • are committed to the safeguarding of all
  • those that work or volunteer are safely recruited and trained for their roles.
  • there are accountability structures
  • with codes of conduct
  • the values of the organisation are embedded in its day to day actions and behaviours of its people
  • and there is open communication
Our Commitment

As a Leadership we recognise the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children, young people and adults. We acknowledge that children, young people and adults can be the victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and neglect. We accept the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant of Human Rights, which states that everyone is entitled to “all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status”.

We also concur with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which states that children should be able to develop their full potential, free from hunger and want, neglect and abuse. They have a right to be protected from “all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s), or any other person who has care of the child.”

As a Leadership we have therefore adopted the procedures set out in this safeguarding policy in accordance with statutory guidance. We are committed to building constructive links with statutory and voluntary agencies involved in safeguarding.

The policy and attached practice guidelines are based on the ten Safe and Secure safeguarding standards published by Thirtyone:eight (formerly Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service CCPAS) and the Oxfordshire County Council Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy (2017).

The Role of the Safeguarding Officer

The Trust has ensured appointment of a Safeguarding Officer, also known as the designated safeguarding person, who;

  •  Is appropriately trained.
  • Acts as a source of support and expertise to the Trustees, Youth Worker and Volunteers involved in the Trust’s work.
  • Has an understanding of Safeguarding procedures.
  • Keeps written records of all concerns when noted and reported or when disclosed by a child, ensuring that such records are stored securely and reported.
  • Refers cases of suspected neglect and/or abuse to children’s social care or police in accordance with this guidance and local procedure.
  • Develops effective links with relevant agencies (e.g. local schools) as appropriate.
  • Ensures that all Trustees and workers (paid or voluntary) sign to indicate that they have read and understood this policy.
  • Ensures that the child protection policy is updated annually.
  • Liaises with the Chair of Trustees as appropriate.
  • Keeps a record of Trustee and worker (paid and voluntary) attendance at child protection training
  • Provides an annual safeguarding report to Trustees.
  • Makes this policy available to participants if requested (churches, parents for example).
The Deputy Safeguarding Officer (Role currently vacant)

Is appropriately trained and, in the absence of the designated safeguarding lead, carries out those functions necessary to ensure the ongoing safety and protection of children. In the event of the long-term absence of the designated person, the deputy will assume all of the functions above.

The Leadership undertakes to:
  • Endorse and follow all national and local safeguarding legislation and procedures, in addition to the international conventions outlined above.
  • Provide on-going safeguarding training for all its workers and will regularly review the operational guidelines attached.
  • Ensure that the premises meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and all other relevant legislation, and that it is welcoming and inclusive.
  • Support the Safeguarding Coordinator(s) in their work and in any action they may need to take in order to protect children and adults with care and support needs.
  • The Leadership agrees not to allow the document to be copied by other organisations.

We will review this statement and our policy and procedures annually.

If you have any concerns for a child or adult with care and support needs then speak to one of the following who have been approved as safeguarding Officers for this organisation.

Joanne Onions- Child Safeguarding Coordinator (Designated Safeguarding Person)

A copy of the full policy and procedures is available from the Chair of Trustees or Safeguarding Officer for the Trust