Presence Ministries is a faith-based organisation committed to the principles of safeguarding both children and vulnerable adults who may be at risk of harm or abuse: This statement is made in relation to individuals attending events and or ministry.
They will do this by ensuring leaders and volunteers have up to date PVG’s in place that clears them as suitable to work with either children and or vulnerable adults. This is in line with Scottish Government and the 4 nations legislative requirements. To appoint a barred person is to commit a criminal offence.
Presence ministries accept they have a responsibility to navigate where known a response to those who may pose a risk but are not either staff or volunteers.
All staff and volunteers will be provided with training on safeguarding, to enable them to recognise potential abuse and what action should be taken when. Staff will be expected to be confident in navigating challenging and problematic situations well.
There will be an appointed safeguarding lead: This is currently Virginia Baxter also known as Virginia Bell. VirginiaBell657@gmail.com . Presence Ministries subscribes to CSS specialist provision to support them navigate problematic situations well.
Safeguarding means protecting an individual’s right to live in safety free from abuse and neglect.
They accept there are multiple forms of abuse and that this can be either intentional or unintentional. Knowing this they will seek to navigate each situation well.
Where concerns come to light – guidance should be sought from the safeguarding lead on what should happen next.
However, if an individual does not feel this is not the correct route due to the nature of the concern, they can contact:
The Charity Commission on 01925757887.
Adult services Dundee – 01382 438300 Who will guide them accordingly. If it becomes necessary for Presence Ministries to contact either Social Services or the Police due to a concern regarding an individual attending events, they will only do this after a discussion with the parties concerned.
Where the risk is felt to be clearly immediate, and there is a potential for harm to life, but permission not given. Then Staff and volunteers will respond in line with a duty care and the Police and or Social Services will be contacted for them to decide on the course of action.
V.A. Baxter/Bell 3.03.2025
Policy
Guidance has been sought from the following legislation and examples of best practise when formatting this policy.
The Social Care Institute of Excellence (2018) reported that churches and faith-based groups play a vital role in the lives of many children, young people and adults. Christian faith organisations have a moral responsibility and ethical duty to keep safe the adults with whom they are involved; they have a vital role in responding effectively and compassionately when someone comes forward to share concerns or disclose abuse. Christian faith communities need to be outward-looking and prepared to work in partnership with and seek opportunities to learn from other organisations.
Ref :
Getting the foundations right – having robust policies and procedures in place.
Recognising abuse – both staff and volunteers are expected to complete the following training as part of the induction process
Chair Virginia Baxter/ Bell responsible for developing governance compliance – overseeing safeguarding, fundraising and the student hub. She is an experienced social worker, student mentor and is now adapting her skills to the third sector.
Dave Dyson – runs his own third sector project and is a trustee.
Sarah Baker – is our prayer hub leader she has s a long history of providing third sector support including running community kitchens and teaching pre 5 groups. Sarah is key to our fundraising strategy.
is our prayer hub leader she has s a long history of providing third sector support including running community kitchens and teaching pre 5 groups. Sarah is key to our fundraising strategy.
