Trust Policies

Safeguarding Policy

1. Statement on safeguarding

Culham St Gabriel’s Trust works with a wide range of professionals and volunteers in education and faith/belief communities. As a Trust we are committed to keeping everyone safe by taking reasonable steps to protect beneficiaries, employees, trustees and those who engage with the work of the Trust. This includes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, but also includes anyone who comes into contact with our activities. Working with staff, consultants and Trustees, we will:

  • ensure a safe and trusted working environment in meetings and online;
  • maintain an organisational culture that prioritises safeguarding, making it safe for people to report incidents and concerns;
  • have adequate, proportionate protocols and ensure they are kept up to date;
  • handle incidents promptly as they arise, reporting them to the relevant authorities where appropriate (see also whistleblowing policy).
  • uphold our equality and diversity policy, promoting equitable and inclusive practices.

2. Self-certification for trustees and senior executive

In line with Charity Commission, guidance, CSTG will use self-certification declarations for the CEO senior charity manager positions: automatic disqualification declaration and for new Trustees charity trustee positions: automatic disqualification declaration.

3. DBS check for consultants on RE:ONLINE

Lead Consultants as well as the Digital Manager, may come into contact with children and young people via email. An appropriate combination of DBS checks, training, and a code of conduct should apply to the RE:Online Lead Consultants, and the Digital Manager.

4. Grant-making and partnerships

Before awarding any corporate grant, or funding for partner organisations, Trustees must confirm that the organisation has a safeguarding policy in operation, and has reviewed it in the last two years.

5. Safeguarding leads

5. Safeguarding leads
The Trust has appointed Nansi Ellis to be the Trustee safeguarding lead, and Kathryn Wright to be the staff safeguarding lead. Both are to be supported with training as required.

6. Protocols

What to do if you have concerns about possible abuse (including allegations):

  • In an emergency, call emergency services 999.
  • If you have concerns regarding a child or vulnerable adult, always consult children’s or adult care services.
  • Always inform the CSTG Safeguarding Lead.
  • Keep a record of what happened, your concerns and your actions.
  • Concerns or allegations about a CSTG consultant or staff member must be reported to the safeguarding lead and CEO.
  • Concerns or allegations about the CEO or a Trustee must be reported to two Trustees.

What to do if a child or adult wishes to disclose they have been abused

  • Listen. Keep listening. Do not question or investigate.
  • Do not promise confidentiality; tell them we need to share this.
  • Assure them they are not to blame.
  • Tell them what you are going to do and that they will be told what happens.
  • Make careful notes of what is said, record dates, times, events and when you are told.
  • Report it to the CSTG Safeguarding lead.
  • Only tell those who need to know.

Things to remember:

  • Treat everyone with respect, setting a positive example for others.
  • Respect personal space and privacy.
  • Ensure any actions cannot be misrepresented by someone else.
  • Challenge unacceptable behaviour.
  • Do not put anyone (including yourself) in a vulnerable or compromising situation.
  • Do not have inappropriate physical, verbal or online contact with others.
  • Do not ask for, accept, or keep personal email accounts or other contact details belonging to children.
  • You must not keep allegations or suspected abuse secret.

Approved by the Trustees October 2023

Review date October 2024