THE

SPIRITUALISTS'
NATIONAL
UNION
Safeguarding Policy
& Procedure 2023
1
 THE
SPIRITUALISTS'
NATIONAL
UNION
Safeguarding Policy
& Procedure 2023

Spiritualists National Union

Redwoods, Stansted Hall,
Stansted Mountfitchet,
Essex CM24 8UD

01279 816363 | www.snu.org.uk | [email protected]

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 Spiritualists’ National Union
Safeguarding Policy and Procedures 2023

Introduction
Contents

This SNU Safeguarding Statement and Procedure is produced in two parts.

The Spiritualists’ National Union (“the SNU”) Safeguarding Policy has been introduced for
Part A includes our Policy and Guidelines use by all sectors of the charity at National, District and Church Levels in all its activities
across the United Kingdom and overseas.
Part B includes our Procedures for workers and volunteers to make referrals and get advice
The SNU wants to help keep safe everyone the charity meets. It is important that
Part A appropriate measures are in place to provide for the rights of all individuals.
Section 1 – Our Commitment and Safeguarding Statement
Section 2 – Recognising and responding appropriately to an allegation or suspicion of abuse This policy sets out the framework for how the SNU will go about this.
Section 3 – Prevention
Section 4 – Pastoral Care
Section 5 – Working with Offenders
Section 6 – Practice Guidelines
Section 7 – Working in Partnership

Part B This Policy was approved on 22 April 2023. It will be formally reviewed annually.
Referral Procedures

Appendices

Appendix A – Statutory definitions

Appendix B – Responding to a child wishing to disclose abuse

Appendix C – Cause for concern forms

If you have any concerns regarding the safety or welfare of a child or adult you can
contact:

SNU National Safeguarding Team at:

[email protected] or 01279 816363

Thirtyone:eight has been appointed by the Spiritualists’ National Union to support

Safeguarding concerns.
Their number is 0303 003 1111.

Thirtyone:eight is an independent safeguarding charity which helps individuals and

organisations protect vulnerable people from abuse https://thirtyoneeight.org

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Safeguarding Policy and Procedures Document Safeguarding Statement

• We all have a responsibility to help prevent the physical, sexual and

PART A – POLICY & GUIDELINES
emotional abuse and neglect of children, young people (those under 18
years of age) and adults who are at risk and to report any such abuse that
Section 1 - Our Commitment and Safeguarding Statement we discover or suspect.
• We believe every child should be valued, safe and happy. We want to make
Our Commitment sure that children we have contact with know this and are empowered to tell
us if they are suffering harm.
The SNU is committed to providing a safe and caring environment for all those it is in • All people have the right to be treated with respect and to be listened to.
contact with. • We all have a responsibility to help prevent the physical, sexual,
psychological, financial and discriminatory abuse and neglect of adults and
We acknowledge the additional needs which children, young people and adults who are at to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.
risk may have. We are aware that anyone can be the victim of abuse and neglect of many
• We believe all adults should enjoy and have access to every aspect of the
kinds including physical, sexual, emotional, financial, power imbalance and neglect.
life of the places of our organisation unless they pose a risk to the safety of
those we serve.
We accept the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International
• We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of all
Covenant of Human Rights, which states that everyone is entitled to “all the rights and
those who will work with children and adults.
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
We will:
status.”
• Follow the requirements for UK legislation in relation to safeguarding
children and adults who may be at risk and good practice
We agree with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that children should
recommendations.
be able to develop their full potential, free from hunger and want, neglect and abuse. They
• Respect the rights of children set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of
have a right to be protected from “all forms or physical or mental violence, injury or abuse,
the Child.
neglect or negligent treatment or exploitation.”
• Follow legislation regarding people and places to be welcoming and
The SNU has adopted the procedures set out in this Safeguarding Policy in accordance with inclusive.
statutory guidance to keep our places and our activities safe for all. We are committed to • Follow the agreed procedures of our safeguarding policy.
building constructive links with statutory and voluntary agencies involved in safeguarding. • Keep up to date with national and local developments relating to
safeguarding.
The Policy and attached practical guides are based on the ten Safe and Secure • Support safeguarding co-ordinators in their work and in any actions
Safeguarding standards published by Thirtyone:eight and on statutory and best practice necessary.
guidelines. • Support parents and families.
• Nurture, protect and safeguard children and young people.
The SNU National Executive Committee are responsible for the appointment of its National • Support, train and provide supervision to all those who undertake this work.
Safeguarding Co-ordinator. The Vice President (Spiritual) of the SNU is currently appointed • Support people in the organisation affected by abuse.
to this role. • Co-operate fully with police and Social Services with respect to any
investigations.
The National Safeguarding Co-ordinator will appoint District Safeguarding Co-ordinators and
a Central Safeguarding Team at SNU head office to co-ordinate the response across the
charity.

The Spiritualists’ Lyceum Union (“SLU”) Central Committee will appoint SLU safeguarding
co-ordinators.

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We recognise that:
Section 2 – Recognising and responding to an allegation or concern
• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. about abuse
• Children’s Social Services has lead responsibility for investigating all
allegations or suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about a child. Understanding abuse and neglect
Adult Social Care has lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or
suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about an adult. Defining abuse is a difficult and complex issue.
• Where an allegation suggests that a criminal offence may have been
committed, then the police should be contacted as a matter of urgency. A person may abuse by inflicting harm or failing to prevent harm. Children and adults in need
• Where working outside of the UK, concerns will be reported to the of protection may be abused within a family, an institution or a community setting. Very
appropriate agencies in the country in which we operate, and their often the abuser is known or in a trusted relationship with the child or adult. Types of abuse
procedures followed, and in addition we will report concerns to our agency’s can range from the physical and sexual to emotional, financial, power imbalance and
headquarters. bullying.
• We must maintain records of all reports and referrals made detailing any
actions taken. All record keeping and processing is to be in line with In order to safeguard those whom the SNU comes into contact with, we will follow the
legislation and any SNU data handling and protection policies from time to relevant legislation and guidance covering the different geographical areas of our work.
time.

Statutory Definitions of Abuse (Children)

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a
child by inflicting harm or failing to act to prevent harm.

Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting by those

known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger. They may be abused by an adult or adults or
another child or children.

Further guidance is set out at Appendix A

Remember, if you’re not sure if something is a concern, raise it with your District Co-
Ordinator or with the Central Safeguarding Team.

Statutory Definition of an Adult at risk or with care and support needs

The following definition of an adult at risk or with care and support needs as outlined in the
Care Act 2014.

The Care Act 2014 applies to an adult who needs care and support (whether or not the local
authority is meeting any of those needs); and is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect;
and as a result of those care and support needs, is unable to protect themselves from either
the risk of, or the experience of, abuse or neglect.

For Scotland, The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 defines an adult at risk
as:
a) Unable to safeguard their own well-being, property, rights or other interests,
b) At risk of harm, and
c) Because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental
infirmity, are more at risk of harm than adults who are not so affected

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An adult is at risk of harm if:
Section 3 – Prevention & Positive Practice
a) another person’s conduct is causing (or is likely to cause) the adult to be harmed, or
b) the adult is engaging (or is likely to engage) in conduct which causes (or is likely to
cause) self-harm. Safe Recruitment
Within the SNU there are unpaid elected positions, volunteer positions and appointments as
Be aware that an adult may be at risk all the time, or it may be a temporary issue which could per the SNU Articles of Association, Bye-laws, Rules for Churches and Constitution for
be related to particular circumstances such as illness, bereavement, loss of income/job etc. Kindred Bodies, as well as employed staff, and the considerations listed below will be
We need to look out for those who are in difficult circumstances now and be aware that they applied to all such positions.
may need our additional safeguarding concern.
The SNU will ensure that all workers, whether paid or voluntary, will be appointed, trained,
Definitions of Abuse (Adults) supported and supervised in accordance with government guidance on safe recruitment
where their work will involve contact with children and adults who may be at risk. This
Abuse may consist of a single act or repeated acts. Abuse can occur in any relations and includes ensuring that:
may result in significant harm to, or exploitation of the person subjected to it.
• there is a written job description / person specification for the post
Further guidance is set out at Appendix A
• those elected or to be appointed have completed a self-declaration form.
Remember, if you’re not sure if something is a concern, raise it with your District
Co-Ordinator or with the Central Safeguarding Team. • those short-listed have been interviewed and Safeguarding has been discussed.

• where the person’s position will involve work with children and/or adults who may be
Safeguarding awareness at risk, an appropriate DBS certificate will be obtained from the Disclosure and
Barring Service and Independent Safeguarding Authority Disclosure (For Scotland
The SNU is committed to ongoing safeguarding training and development opportunities for PVG Check and Northern Ireland Access NI) and is found to be satisfactory for the
its workers, developing a culture of awareness of safeguarding issues to help protect position. We will comply with Code of Practice requirements concerning the fair
everyone. treatment of personnel and the handling of information.

Our workers will receive induction training and undertake recognised safeguarding training • Where issues are disclosed on the DBS Certificate a risk assessment will be carried
regularly. Workers with additional responsibilities for safeguarding will be provided with out to ascertain whether an individual will be allowed to work in activities specifically
more detailed training and support. for children and regulated activities with adults within the SNU

The SNU will look to sign post individuals to alternative support services where appropriate. • qualifications, where relevant, and identity have been verified.

• a suitable training programme is provided for the successful applicant. Advice can be
obtained from the SNU safeguarding team.

• the person will have access to read a copy of this Safeguarding Policy and knows
how to report concerns

Training

Our tutors, workers, ministry, volunteers will be required to attend and read appropriate
training and updating as advised by Central Group from time to time.

A matrix on training requirements is available on the website and from

[email protected]

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Section 4 – Pastoral Care - Supporting those affected by abuse
Section 5 - Working with Offenders
The SNU is committed to offering pastoral care and support to all those who have been
affected by abuse and who have contact with, or are part of, the organisation, working with When someone is known to have abused children or is known to be a risk to adults who may
statutory agencies as appropriate. We will take guidance where necessary from outside already be at risk and wishes to worship within SNU Churches, the SNU Central
agencies or thirtyone:eight. Safeguarding Team will assess each case to see if arrangements can be made for this to be
done safely. Please note that the following steps or points may be required:

• risk assessment

• liaison with probation services, 31:8 and other third parties

• agreement/contract with individual putting in place specific requirements as a result

of the risk assessment, circumstances or any recommendations received

• individual to accept that access to SNU premises is for worship only, not for social
activities or positions of responsibility, committee work or educational activities;

• supervision of the individual concerned and pastoral care requirements.

• Ongoing participation in review of situation

Registered Sex Offenders and those convicted of the abuse of children and adults,
regardless of age, who want to attend a religious service in an SNU church or Centre must
comply with these additional requirements. They will not be allowed to attend any courses at
the Arthur Findlay College, Stansted or Barbanell Centre, Stafford, because they are
residential establishments where the SNU does not have the capacity to safeguard the
interests of all.

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Section 6 – Other Practice Guidelines Section 7 - Working in Partnership

The SNU wants best safe working practices. This helps workers to keep people safe, run It is our expectation that any organisation working with us or using our premises will have
activities safely, develop good relationships and minimises the risk of false accusation. their own policy that meets Thirtyone:eight Safeguarding Standards.

Other good practice guidelines can be found: If they do not, or where their policy conflicts with our own, the SNU will expect this
• SNU Staff Handbook Safeguarding Policy to prevail.
• AFC Staff Handbook
• Award Holders code of conduct Good communication is essential in promoting Safeguarding with all those working in
• Accreditation Code of conduct partnership with the SNU. We will aim to discuss our Safeguarding attitudes with all third
• Healing Code of Conduct parties in our facilities and will advertise our Policy widely.
• Tutor Code of Conduct

Copies of the above can be obtained from SNU Head Office.

Management of Workers – Code of Conduct

The SNU is committed to supporting all workers and ensuring that they receive support and
guidance. The SNU undertakes to follow the principles found within guidance issued by the
Government at any time.

The SNU considers that it is unacceptable for those in a position of trust to engage in any
behaviour with any person which might allow a sexual relationship to develop for as long as
the relationship of trust continues.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 makes it an offence for those in
positions of trust to engage in certain relationships with 16-18 year olds and the SNU
requires that its members and workers operate with the utmost integrity at all times with this
age group.

Whistle-blowing policy
Everyone within the SNU should feel confident to voice concerns about the actions or
attitude of colleagues and others involved in our activities. If a member of staff sees or
hears of inappropriate behaviour of a colleague, worker or volunteer or believes that a
reported allegation or concern is not being dealt with appropriately when raised with their
line manager or locally, they should report the matter to the SNU under our whistle-blowing
policy from time to time.

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 PART TWO
Section 8 - Overseas Churches
Referral Procedures
Overseas churches will conform to the national and local laws and other legislation
and regulations of their own country which provide for the protection of children RESPONDING TO ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE
and adults.
SNU individual workers should not carry out their own investigations where there has been
The SNU expects adherence to the principles established in the following key an allegation or where there may be signs suggestive of abuse.
documents:
You are not alone, and to support you the SNU has District Safeguarding Co-ordinators and a
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) National Safeguarding Team based at Head Office. The National Safeguarding Co-ordinator
oversees all this work and reports to NEC.
UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UNUDHR)
You may see something or someone may want to talk to you. Letting people disclose safely
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabiilties (UNRPD) can be sensitive. You should make sure you are in a welcoming place, giving opportunity for
the person to talk in private but making sure others are aware the conversation is taking
The European Convention on Human Rights place.

The referrals process set out in the Section above headed Responding to Allow time and space for the person to talk. A brief guide on effective listening and support
Allegations of Abuse should be followed with overseas churches getting in touch can be found at Appendix B.
with the SNU Safeguarding Lead to confirm and agree any locally necessary
variations to the principles set down. Above everything else, listen.

Our workers, members and volunteers must follow this procedure if they have a concern:

• If you receive allegations, or have concerns about serious abuse, report this as soon
as possible to Social Services or the Police via emergency numbers. You should do
this where there is cause for serious concern for the immediate wellbeing of any
person. Do not delay.

• Immediately that you have a concern, and once you have made any emergency
phone calls if necessary, you should make brief written notes of what you have seen,
heard or been told. Please use Appendix C Form 1 for this but if you do not have
access to it at the time, make notes in the best way you can.

• Call your District Safeguarding Co-Ordinator.

• if you cannot reach your District Safeguarding Co-Ordinator call the Central
Safeguarding Team at SNU Head Office during working hours on 01279 816363.
Out of working hours or if you don’t reach anybody to speak with then call our
support Thirtyone:eight on this number 0303 003 1111.

• Complete and return the Appendix C Form 1 to [email protected] within 24

hours.

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 • Your District Safeguarding Co-Ordinator should complete Appendix C Form 2 and APPENDIX A
send it to the National Safeguarding Team and co-operate with them on any next
steps necessary.
Statutory Definitions of Abuse

• Keep the Chair/Manager/Church President of your local group informed at each step.
Children
Do not tell any other people and keep any notes safely in a secure place. If the
The four definitions of abuse below are based on government guidance “Working Together
concern relates to them, then do not disclose but keep your District Safeguarding Co-
to Safeguard Children” (2018).
Ordinator informed.
What is abuse and neglect?
• You can find up to date telephone numbers including emergency and out of hours
Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a
number on the internet for:
child by inflicting harm or by failing to act to prevent harm.

o The Children’s and Adults social services office within the local area.
Physical abuse
Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding,
o The Police Child Protection Team within the local area.
drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also
be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness
• You must not discuss the matter with anyone else. in a child.

• Anyone can act in their own right to make a direct referral to the safeguarding Emotional abuse
agencies or seek advice from Thirtyone:eight. We ask that you use this procedure for Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe
clarity but it doesn’t restrict you taking any other lawful actions. and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development.

It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued
District Safeguarding Co-ordinators will act with the Central Safeguarding Team at Head only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child
Office to collate the details and record them. They will act where appropriate to refer the opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they
matter to the police or social services where this has not already happened and will assist say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate
with those referrals as requested. expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond the
child’s development capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and
learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve
The role of the SNU National Safeguarding Co-Ordinator is to liaise with the Central seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including
Safeguarding Team to produce the annual report to the trustees. They are an NEC Board cyber-bullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation
Member and ensure that the NEC is kept informed of issues and make recommendations for or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of
changes in policy, or practice from time to time which should be put in place as soon as maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone.
possible.
Sexual abuse
A confidential database of reported events will be maintained at Head Office by the Central Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual
Safeguarding Team. activities, not necessarily involving high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of
what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by
Appendices penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation,
kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact
Appendix A – Statutory definitions activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images,
Appendix B – How to respond to a person wishing to disclose abuse watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave sexually inappropriate ways, or
grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not
Appendix C – Cause for concern forms solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can
other children.

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 imposes his/her will on other people, perhaps threatening dire consequences or the wrath of
Neglect God if disobeyed. He or she may say that God has revealed certain things to them and so
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, they know what is right. Those under their leadership are fearful to challenge or disagree,
likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may believing they will lose the leader's (or more seriously God's) acceptance and approval.
occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born,
neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to: In 2013 spiritual abuse was defined as “Spiritual abuse is coercion and control of one
individual by another in a spiritual context. The target experiences spiritual abuse as a deeply
• provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or emotional personal attack. This abuse may include:-manipulation and exploitation, enforced
abandonment); accountability, censorship of decision making, requirements for secrecy and silence, pressure
to conform, misuse of scripture or the pulpit to control behaviour, requirement of obedience to
• protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger; the abuser, the suggestion that the abuser has a ‘divine’ position, isolation from others,
especially those external to the abusive context.”(Oakley & Kinmond, 2013)
• ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or
Domestic Violence The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines abusive behaviour to consist of
• ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.
any of the following behaviours between persons A and B who are personally connected; (a)
physical or sexual abuse; (b)violent or threatening behaviour; (c)controlling or coercive
It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.
behaviour; (d)economic abuse; (e)psychological, emotional or other abuse; and it does not
matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct.
Adults
"Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or
Adult abuse includes; dependant by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and
capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence,
resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour."
Physical abuse, including hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, restraint,
or inappropriate sanctions;
"Coercive behaviour is: an act or a pattern of acts of assaults, threats, humiliation and
Sexual abuse of adults, including rape and sexual assault or sexual acts to which an adult or intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim."
vulnerable adult has not consented or could not consent or was pressured into consenting;
Any or all of these types of abuse may be perpetrated as the result of deliberate intent,
Psychological abuse, including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, negligence or ignorance.
deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment,
verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive networks;

Financial or material abuse, including theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure In connection with
wills, property or inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of
property, possessions or benefit;

Discriminatory abuse, including racist, sexist, that based on a person’s disability, and other
forms of harassment, slurs or similar

Neglect and acts of omission, including ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to
provide access to appropriate health, social care or educational services, the withholding of
the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating, and treatment.

Spiritual Abuse Linked with emotional abuse, spiritual abuse could be defined as an abuse
of power, often done in the name of God or religion, which involves manipulating or coercing
someone into thinking, saying or doing things without respecting their right to choose for
themselves. Some indicators of spiritual abuse might be a leader who is intimidating and

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APPENDIX B Appendix C

Form 1: Record of concern about a child/adult’s safety and welfare

How to respond to a person wishing to disclose abuse

Effective Listening (For use by SNU workers or volunteers – This form can be filled in electronically. If the form
• Ensure the physical environment is welcoming, giving opportunity for the child or is handwritten care should be taken to ensure that the form is legible. Send a copy ASAP to
adult to talk in private but making sure others are aware the conversation is taking [email address)
place.
Child/Adult’s name (subject of Date of birth/age: Address:
concern):
• It is especially important to allow time and space for the person to talk.
Child/Adult:
• Above everything else listen without interrupting.
Date & time of incident: Date & time
• Be attentive and look at them whilst they are speaking. (of writing):

• Show acceptance of what they say (however unlikely the story may sound) by
reflecting back words or short phrases they have used. Your Name (print): Role/Job title:

Signature:
• Try to remain calm, even if on the inside you are feeling something different.

Other members of the household4:

• Be honest and don’t make promises you can’t keep regarding confidentiality.
Record the following factually: Nature
• If they decide not to tell you after all, accept their decision but let them know that you of concern, e.g. disclosure, change in
are always ready to listen. behaviour, demeanour, appearance,
injury, witnesses etc. (please include
• Use language that is age-appropriate and, for those with disabilities, ensure there is as much detail in this section as
someone available who understands sign language, Braille, etc. possible. Remember – the quality of
your information will inform the level of
intervention initiated. Attach additional
Helpful responses
sheets if necessary.)
• You have done the right thing in telling
• I am glad you have told me How did the concern come to light?
• I will try to help you.
• Tell me/describe to me/explain
What is the child/adult saying about
what has happened4?
Don’t Say
• Why didn’t you tell anyone before?
• I can’t believe it! Any other relevant information.
• Are you sure this is true? Previous concerns etc.
• I am shocked, don’t tell anyone else.
Date and time of discussion with Safeguarding Co-ordinator5: ______________________

Check to make sure your report is clear to someone else reading it.

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Please pass this form to your District Safeguarding Coordinator without Form 2: Record of concern about a child/adult’s safety and welfare
delay
(for use by District Safeguarding Coordinator - This form can be filled in electronically. If the
Guidance notes for Form 1 (volunteers/workers only): form is handwritten care should be taken to ensure that the form is legible)
Following are some helpful pointers in completing the above form: Date: Time completed: From whom:
Information
1. The SNU is required to ensure that its duty of care is carried out in line with the received by RSC:
principles in its Safeguarding Policy.
Any advice Date: Time completed: Source of advice: name/organisation:
sought, if
2. Essential principles of recording the information received/disclosed/observed:
applicable
a. Remember: do not investigate or ask any leading questions
b. make notes within the first one hour of receiving the disclosure or observing
the incident, make a note of the time you had any conversations and the time
of making this report
Advice received:
c. be clear and factual in your recording of the incident or disclosure
d. avoid giving your opinion or feelings on the matter
e. aim to record using the 5 W’s and 1 H: Who When, Where, What, Why and How
f. do not share this information with anyone else except your safeguarding co-
ordinator in the first instance and they will advise on who else will need to be Advice received about informing parents or in the case of adults, seeking
informed, how and when. consent/capacity1:
g. make use of the additional information section to add any other relevant
information regarding the child/adult/ family that you may be aware of. This
can include any historic concerns or observations.

3. What constitutes a safeguarding concern? – any incident that has caused or likely to
cause significant harm to a child can be classed as a safeguarding concern. Abuse is
Initial
classified under four different categories (with regards to children) as already stated
Assessment of
within the safeguarding policy (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect). With regards to
concern
adults there are 6 further categorisations. Whilst it may be helpful to record a specific
following advice2
category in the above form, if possible, this may not always be the case. Therefore, it
is important to seek advice from your safeguarding co-ordinator or thirtyone:eight at Action taken with Date: Time completed: By whom:
this stage. reasons recorded

(e.g. Referral
4. Why do you need information regarding ‘other household members’? – It has been Referral To whom
completed,
demonstrated as important to include information about significant adults in the
monitoring advice
household especially when concerns relate to children as this has been a recurrent Signposting to other community resources
given to
risk factor in several serious case reviews.
appropriate staff,
etc)
5. Why is the view of the child/adult significant? It is important to give whatever detail is Pastoral Care and other support
available of the child or adult’s explanation (or verbatim) of the matter to help
ascertain if it is plausible and to help offer a context to the concern identified.
Ongoing Monitoring
6. Passing information to the Safeguarding co-ordinator – Your safeguarding co-
ordinator holds ultimate responsibility in responding to any safeguarding concerns
within the church/organisation and therefore it is important that they have oversight
of the actions being taken and make relevant and appropriate contact with statutory
agencies if required. They will remain the most appropriate link between the Y Who spoken to: Date: Time: By whom:
organisation and external agencies.

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Parent/carer Guidance notes for Form 2:
informed?

N Detail reason: Following are some helpful pointers in completing the above form(s)

1. Importance of consent from parents/carer or adults (in the light of mental capacity) –
With regards to children, consent of the parents is considered important before a
referral is made to external agencies, unless of course doing so will place the
child(ren) at greater risk of harm. With regards to adults, it is important to be aware
that their consent is crucial before reporting concerns onto statutory agencies. The
Any other
individual’s mental capacity will also be a significant factor to consider at this stage.
relevant
You can always seek the advice of local authority social services.
information

2. Initial assessment- Based on the advice you may have received from relevant
individuals/agencies (i.e. this could be the individual church, the national
safeguarding team/thirtyone:eight/Social Services, Police etc), what are the concerns
categorised as?

Name of Signature: 3. Overview of actions - Includes a summary of the actions taken so far and who holds
Safeguarding responsibility for it. You can use this section to add on information gathered when
Coordinator: monitoring the situation or offering pastoral care over a defined period of time.

4. Pass a copy of this form to the Central Safeguarding Team at

OVERVIEW OF ACTIONS3: [email protected]

S.No. Date Outcome (if known) Service currently Ongoing support

involved offered (this can
include monitoring)-
include dates

1.

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If you have any concerns regarding the safety

or welfare of a child or adult you can contact:

SNU National Safeguarding Team at:

[email protected] or 01279 816363

Thirtyone:eight has been appointed by the

Spiritualists’ National Union to support
Safeguarding concerns. Their number is:
0303 003 1111

Spiritualists National Union

Redwoods, Stansted Hall,
Stansted Mountfitchet,
Essex CM24 8UD

01279 816363 | www.snu.org.uk | [email protected]

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