Safeguarding
It is YOUR duty to report ALL safeguarding concerns as a matter of urgency following the correct process.
If a young person is at immediate risk of significant harm call 999 or 101 and request the Police.
Inform National Headquarters on 01709 876535 (Option 4) that this has been done.
If you have a safeguarding concern and are not sure what to do call our National Headquarters on 01709 876535 (Option 4).
What do I do if a young person tells me they are being abused?
- Allow them to speak without interruption, and accept what they say.
- Be understanding and reassuring – DO NOT give you opinion.
- Tell them you will try to help but to do so you must share the information.
- Tell your company commander (who will then speak with NHQ / National Safeguarding Officer) or if it is not possible to talk to your company commander or you would like to share a concern in confidence with the safeguarding team, please phone 01709 876535 (Option 4).
- Write careful notes of what was said using the actual words of the young person. Include times and dates and names given.
- Sign and date the notes and arrange with NHQ for them to be transferred securely.
- Think safety. Is there a risk posed by anyone in CLCGB? If so then this will need to be managed in conjunction with NHQ/National Safeguarding officer.
Overview
The Church Lads and Church Girls Brigade (CLCGB) fully accepts its legal and moral obligation under The Children’s Act (1989) and (2004), to provide a duty of care to protect all children and safeguard their welfare, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, parental or marital status, pregnancy, religion or belief, creed, sexual orientation and gender reassignment.
A child/young person is defined as a person under the age of 18 (the Children’s Act 1989).
Aims
The aims of the CLCGB Safeguarding Policy are:
- To ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation to provide children and young people with appropriate safety and protection whilst at CLCGB, allowing them to participate in a fun, safe environment and in an atmosphere of fair play.
- To take all reasonable, practical steps to protect children from harm, discrimination and degrading treatment and respect their rights, wishes and feelings.
- To ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities with respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people.
- To ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern. All concerns or allegations of poor practice or abuse are taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately. It is the responsibility of safeguarding experts to determine whether or not abuse has taken place but it is everyone’s responsibility to report it.
- To ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.
- To maintain high standards of behaviours and good practise through compliance with CLCGB codes of conduct produced for Officers, Warrant Officers, Junior leaders, helpers, parents/guardians, members over 18 and volunteers working alongside CLCGB. The policy and procedures are mandatory for everyone involved with CLCGB. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the CLCGB.
Review period
The policy will be reviewed every three years, or in the following circumstances:
- Changes in legislation and/or government guidance
- As required by any Local Safeguarding Children Board, or Brigade Council
- As required following any enquiry involving a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
- As a result of any other significant change or event.
