THE NAVAL MILITARY BIBLE SOCIETY

POLICY 22

SAFEGUARDINGPOLICY

1.Preamble

Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

2.Principles

  • Naval & Military Bible Staff (“the Society”) is committed to the safeguarding and protection of all children and vulnerable adults [1],
  • We will carefully select and train all those with any responsibility, in line with Safer Recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes when relevant.
  • We will respond without delay to every complaint made which suggests that a child or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation.
  • We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.
  • In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice.

The Society seeks to go beyond the minimal requirements of statute in safeguarding and to foster and promote best practice as part of its working witness to God’s kingdom. This will involve openness among those with a legitimate need to know, confidentiality for those not directly involved, and sharing of information with the statutory authorities.

3.Discussion of the principles

The Society has effective systems in place so that the “know your donor” principle is operated (for example, if the charity receives large donations, particularly anonymous or cash donations or with conditions attached), staff are aware of this risk and will alert trustees.

The Society does not actively fundraise from members of the public. Grants are made with a request for a donation and the value of the grant is made known to the grantee. Trustees are to be alerted to an abnormally large donation resulting from a grant, so that appropriate checks can be made.

The safeguarding and protection of children and adults at risk of harmis everyone’s responsibility. The term ‘safeguarding’covers safer recruitment, safer practice,responding to concerns, workingwith partner agencies, dealing withallegations against those responsible forchildren and other matters that may berelevant. Procedures and formal processes, though essential, will not alone protect children and adults at risk of harm.

If a Trustee or member of staff reports or is found to have a conviction, caution, reprimand orwarning for offences against children or adults at risk of harm,or for being barred from working withchildren or adults at risk of harm, or is considered to presenta risk to children or adults at risk of harm, we will seek to drawup a written contract or ‘Covenant ofCare’, where it is safe to do so to ensure safe working practices. Breachof this agreement or other concernsmay lead to a referral to the properauthorities.

Policy Sponsor:Last Review Date:

Executive DirectorFebruary 2018

[1] Children and adults at risk of harm