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Safeguarding Policy (January 2023)

Section 1

Christian Prayer Ministries

Address TBC

 

Tel No: TBC
 

General Email address: admin@christianprayerministries.uk


Chair of Trustees: Mike Higley


Contact Telephone / Email: 01684 565396
Mobile tel: 07884 979362
Email: mike.higley@talktalk.net


Safeguarding Coordinator Name: Mike Higley


Safeguarding Coordinator Contact Telephone / Email:
Tel: 01684 565396
Mobile: 07884979362
Email: mike.higley@talktalk.net


Organisation: Christian Prayer Ministries


Charity Number: 1090856


Regulators: The Charity Commission


Insurance Company: Kingdom Bank


The following is a brief description of our organisation and the type of work / activities we undertake with young people and adults who have care and support needs:

Our Commitment

Christian Prayer Ministries (CPM) offers one of the ministries of the Holy Spirit to the whole person, helping guests to unburden themselves of the load they carry and to experience God’s love in every area of their lives. It is a gentle, balanced, scriptural, and powerful ministry. It enables Christians to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus and with others, and to become more effective in their Christian life and ministry. It is a ministry for guests to receive healing for themselves and is not intended as teaching how to pray for others.

Prayer Ministry Courses

These have varying formats but contain the same teaching and ministry. The teaching explains that everyone is received into God’s love in their broken state. This brokenness is defined under the four areas of sins, bondages, enemy oppression, and wounding. The teaching in these areas allows the Holy Spirit to bring to the surface those things which God wants to address through forgiveness, release, deliverance, and healing. Following the teaching, time is given for individual guests to receive two to three hours of personal ministry from a minimum of two Prayer Ministers. CPM does not offer one-to-one appointments. CPM does not minister or pray with anyone under the age of eighteen unless they are accompanied by or have the permission of a parent or guardian. CPM does not minister to or pray with anyone about gender change or healing of orientation.

Prayer Ministry appointments

These are carried out on a Prayer Ministry Course by Zoom or in a venue and are always conducted in an atmosphere of acceptance, with prayer support and a guarantee of confidentiality. Guests receiving ministry are expected to recognise their responsibility to work with God in the healing process.

Training courses

Training Courses are carried out via Zoom or in various centres across the country by the Operations Team which is overseen by the Steering Group of Trustees. A member of CPM who has attended a minimum of two Prayer Ministry courses and feels called to this ministry can test their calling by becoming actively involved: this can be through joining online Forums, online Prayer Meetings and playing a supporting role in Prayer Ministry Appointments.

Hubs

The day to-day work of CPM is carried out by the Hubs, based in Bristol and the Midlands. Hubs are led by members who plan local and online activities to promote and carry out the ministry. Since Covid restrictions have limited the capacity of CPM to run face-to-face meetings in venues, the main work of CPM is done via Zoom. As conditions improve, quiet days and opportunities for fellowship and prayer will be gradually re-introduced in venues.

About us

Christian Prayer Ministries is a Registered Charity, set up to provide a network of trained and Accredited Prayer Ministers, and to make this ministry in its teaching and practice available to local churches and the wider community. Accreditation is achieved after comprehensive training and supervision by experienced CPM members who are themselves accredited. No external body is responsible for training or validation. CPM members support the work in a variety of ways. It is managed by a Steering Group of Trustees, elected by and representing the membership of CPM across the United Kingdom. CPM has a written Constitution to which the Steering Group of Trustees is accountable. While recognising the value of other methods of healing, this ministry, led by the Holy Spirit, is based upon the redeeming work of Jesus Christ on the Cross and the foundational truths of Scripture.

Summary

By and through the love and grace of God, the work of CPM applies the victory of the Cross, by the power and leading of the Holy Spirit, to the lives of His children, bringing them to wholeness and maturity in Christ.

 

Our dependence is on Christ, the application of His word and our obedience to His leading. As members of His body, we are accountable not only to Him but also to one another.

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Isaiah 51: 15-16: For I am the LORD your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar- the LORD Almighty is his name. I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand- I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, 'You are my people.'"


As a Steering Group of Trustees, we recognise the need to provide a safe and caring environment for young people and adults. We acknowledge that young people and adults can be the victims of physical, sexual, spiritual and emotional abuse, and neglect. We accept the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant of Human Rights, which states that everyone is entitled to “all the rights and 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 status”. We also concur with the Convention on the Rights of the Child which states that children should be able to develop their full potential, free from hunger and want, neglect and abuse. They have a right to be protected from “all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s), or any other person who has care of the child.” As a Steering Group of Trustees we have therefore adopted the procedures set out in this safeguarding policy in accordance with statutory guidance. We are committed to build constructive links with statutory and voluntary agencies involved in safeguarding.

 

The policy and any attached practice guidelines are based on the ten Safe and Secure safeguarding standards published by thirtyone:eight.

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The Steering Group of Trustees undertakes to:

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  • endorse and follow all national and local safeguarding legislation and procedures, in addition to the international conventions outlined above.

  • provide on-going safeguarding training for all its members and will regularly review the operational guidelines attached.

  • ensure that any premises and any forms of communication we use meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and all other relevant legislation, and that CPM is welcoming and inclusive.

  • support the Safeguarding Coordinator(s) in their work and in any action they may need to take in order to protect young people and adults with care and support needs.

  • the Steering Group of Trustees agrees not to allow the document to be copied by other organisations.

Section 2 - Prevention

Understanding abuse and neglect

Defining child abuse or abuse against a young person or an adult or is a difficult and complex issue. A person may abuse by inflicting harm or failing to prevent harm. Children, young people and adults in need of protection may be abused within a family, an institution or a community setting. Very often the abuser is known or in a trusted relationship with the child or adult.


In order to safeguard those in our places of operations we adhere to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and have as our starting point as a definition of abuse, Article 19:

 

  1. Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social, and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.
     

  2. Such protective measures should, as appropriate, include effective procedures for the establishment of social programmes to provide necessary support for the child and for those who have the care of the child, as well as for other forms of prevention and for identification, reporting, referral, investigation, treatment and follow-up of instances of child maltreatment described heretofore, and, as appropriate, for judicial involvement.
     

Also, for adults the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights with particular reference to Article 5:

 

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.


Detailed definitions, and signs and indicators of abuse, as well as how to respond to a disclosure of abuse, are included here in our policy.

Safer recruitment

The Steering Group of Trustees will ensure all working members will be appointed, trained, supported and supervised in accordance with government guidance on safe recruitment. This includes ensuring that:

 

  • There is a written role description / person specification for members

  • Those applying have completed an application form and a self-declaration form

  • Those who apply have been interviewed and a reference taken up.

  • Safeguarding has been discussed at interview

  • Written references have been obtained, and followed up where appropriate

  • A disclosure and barring check (DBS) has been completed where necessary (we will comply with Code of Practice requirements concerning the fair treatment of applicants and the handling of information) Currently this is not a requirement by the authorities for CPM ministry

  • A suitable training programme is provided for the successful applicant

  • The member fulfils the requirement of ministry and training as laid down by CPM

  • The active member has been given a copy of the organisation’s safeguarding policy and knows how to report concerns.

Safeguarding training

The Steering Group of Trustees is committed to on-going safeguarding training and development opportunities for all workers, developing a culture of awareness of safeguarding issues to help protect everyone. All our workers will receive induction training and undertake recognised safeguarding training on a regular basis.


The Steering Group of Trustees will also ensure that young people and adults with care and support needs are provided with information on where to get help and advice in relation to abuse, discrimination, bullying or any other matter where they have a concern.

Management of Workers – Codes of Conduct

As a Steering Group of Trustees, we are committed to supporting all workers and ensuring they receive support and supervision. All active members have been issued with a current code of Ethics & Practice towards young people and adults with care and support needs.

Section 3 - Practice Guidelines

As an organisation working with young people and adults with care and support needs, we wish to operate and promote good working practice. This will enable workers to run activities safely, develop good relationships and minimise the risk of false or unfounded accusations.


As well as a general code of conduct for members we also have specific good practice guidelines for what we are involved in and these are laid down in the Code of Ethics and Practice

Working in Partnership

The diversity of organisations and settings means there can be great variation in practice when it comes to safeguarding young people and adults. This can be because of cultural tradition, belief and religious practice or understanding, for example, of what constitutes abuse.


We therefore have clear guidelines in regard to our expectations of those with whom we work in partnership, whether in the UK or not. We will discuss with all members our safeguarding expectations and have a partnership agreement for safeguarding. It is also our expectation that any organisation we work with will have their own policy that meets thirtyone:eight’s safeguarding standards.


At CPM, we believe that good communication is essential in promoting safeguarding, both to those we wish to protect, to everyone involved in ministering to young people and adults and to all those with whom we work in partnership. This safeguarding policy is just one means of promoting safeguarding.

Section 4 - Procedure to be followed where young people/ vulnerable adults are at risk

It is essential for the integrity and credibility of Christian Prayer Ministries that the following procedure is followed if, during a prayer ministry appointment, whether face to face or on zoom, disclosures indicate that a young person/vulnerable adults may be at risk.


Under no circumstances should a CPM member or worker carry out their own investigation into an allegation or suspicion of abuse. Follow procedures as below: This policy places a duty on anyone who has knowledge of such persons at risk to ensure that any disclosure is followed up by seeking advice from Thirty-one:eight and /or that any reportable information is communicated to the relevant authorities, which may be the police or social services department.


It will need to be handled sensitively and with the knowledge and hopefully, the co-operation of the guest. It will also be necessary to ensure the guest has adequate support on return home.


Whilst it is recognised that such disclosures by someone who admits abusing children or vulnerable adults is extremely rare on prayer ministry courses, it is more likely that there may be a disclosure by someone who experienced abuse as a young person or adult. The following procedure will provide boundaries within which such disclosures can be handled in a way that ensures compliance with the law and minimises the risk to the guest of feelings of rejection. It is important to remember that a person who committed sexual abuse years ago may still be abusing today .


If there is a disclosure that a child who is connected to the guest is at risk, then appropriate action should be taken.

Scope

For all prayer ministry and training courses held under the auspices of CPM , wherever they take place in a venue or via zoom.

Safeguarding procedures for Prayer Ministry appointments and training courses in venues or via zoom

  • Course leaders (whether in a venue or via zoom) should ensure that all team members are aware of the following procedure before the course or prayer ministry appointment commences

  • The lead minister takes responsibility for the appointment and any follow up necessary

  • The lead minister should ensure that the support minister is fully conversant with this procedure.

  • At the beginning of the appointment, the lead minister must inform the guest that any safeguarding disclosure made by the guest will be acted upon, which might result in the appointment being stopped so that appropriate action can be taken

  • It must be made clear to guests that lead ministers will be bound by any legal requirements. This should be done sensitively and as part of the ministry to the guest.

  • In the event of a non-urgent disclosure, and as soon as possible after the prayer ministry appointment, the lead minister must bring the matter to the course leader who should be the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the course (DSL)

  • In the event of a prayer appointment not being part of the course, the lead minister should inform the CPM Safeguarding Lead for support and advice.

  • The course leader, acting on advice from Thirty-one:eight, will advise on whether the matter should be reported immediately or at the end of the course. This will depend on the level of risk and whether the abuse is by the guest or a third party.

  • The decision as how to report should be done prayerfully and involve the guest where possible unless the guest is the abuser, in which case they should be informed but not involved in the actions taken subsequently.

  • Ideally the reporting should be made by the guest, with or without the support of the lead or support minister, whichever is the same gender as the guest.

  • It is the responsibility of the course leader to ensure the report has been made.

  • It is important throughout this time to ensure that prayerful support of the guest is maintained. As far as possible the course leader should ensure that there is support available for the guest on their return home

  • Apart from the authorities, strict confidentiality must be maintained.

  • The phone number for Thirty-one:eight is 03030031111

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Under no circumstances should a CPM member or worker carry out their own investigation into an allegation or suspicion of abuse. Follow procedures as below.​

Documenting a concern

The CPM member or worker should make a report of the concern in the following way: a written and dated record of the concern should be made as soon as possible after a disclosure has been made in accordance with these procedures and kept in a secure place before being given to the safeguarding co-ordinator.

The person in receipt of allegations or suspicions of abuse should report concerns as soon as possible to:

Name: (hereafter the "Safeguarding Co-ordinator") Mike Higley
Tel: 07884 979 362


Email: mike.higley@talktalk.net

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The above is nominated by the Steering Group of Trustees to act on their behalf in dealing with the allegation or suspicion of neglect or abuse, including referring the matter on to the statutory authorities.

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In the absence of the Safeguarding Co-ordinator or, if the suspicions in any way involve the Safeguarding Co-ordinator, then the report should be made to:


Name: Ruth Street, CEO
Tel: 07962 063116
Email: ruth_street@rocketmail.com


If the suspicions implicate both the Safeguarding Co-ordinator and the Deputy, then the report should be made in the first instance to:
thirtyone:eight PO Box 133, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7UQ. Tel: 0303 003 1111.


Alternatively contact your local Social Services or the police.

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The Safeguarding Co-ordinator should contact the appropriate agency or they may first ring the thirtyone:eight helpline for advice. They should then contact social services in the area the child or adult lives.


Police Protection Team Tel: 999 or 111
When necessary, Police may be contacted anonymously to help identify risks on 0800 555 111


Other local authorities may of course be contacted when necessary and relevant to the circumstances.

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The Safeguarding Co-ordinator or Deputy may need to inform others depending on the circumstances and/or nature of the concern

 

  • Chair or trustee responsible for safeguarding who may need to liaise with the insurance company or the charity commission to report a serious incident.
     

  • Designated officer or LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) if the allegation concerns a worker or volunteer working with someone under 18.
     

Suspicions must not be discussed with anyone other than those nominated above.


Whilst allegations or suspicions of abuse will normally be reported to the Safeguarding Co-ordinator, the absence of the Safeguarding Co-ordinator or Deputy should not delay referral to Social Services, the Police or taking advice from Thirtyone:eight.


The Steering Group of Trustees will support the Safeguarding Co-ordinator/Deputy in their role and accept that any information they may have in their possession will be shared in a strictly limited way on a need- to- know basis.

It is, of course, the right of any individual as a citizen to make a direct referral to the safeguarding agencies or seek advice from Thirtyone:eight, although the Steering Group of Trustees hope that members of CPM will use this procedure. If, however, the individual with the concern feels that the Safeguarding Co-ordinator/ Deputy has not responded appropriately, or where they have a disagreement with the Safeguarding Co-ordinator(s) as to the appropriateness of a referral they are free to contact an outside agency direct. We hope by making this statement that the Steering Group of Trustees demonstrate its commitment to effective safeguarding and the protection of all those who are vulnerable.


The role of the safeguarding co-ordinator/ deputy is to collate and clarify the precise details of the allegation or suspicion and pass this information on to statutory agencies who have a legal duty to investigate.

Detailed procedures where there is a concern about a child:

Allegations of physical injury, neglect or emotional abuse.

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If, during a prayer ministry appointment, a disclosure is made about a child who has a physical injury, a symptom of neglect or where there are concerns about emotional abuse, it should be reported to the Safeguarding Co-ordinator/ Deputy who will:

 

  • Contact Children’s Social Services (or Thirtyone:eight) for advice in cases of deliberate injury, if concerned about a child's safety or if a child is afraid to return home.
     

  • Not tell the parents or carers unless advised to do so, having contacted Children’s Social Services.
     

  • Seek medical help if needed urgently, informing the doctor of any suspicions.
     

  • For lesser concerns, (e.g. poor parenting), encourage parent/carer to seek help, but not if this places the child at risk of significant harm.
     

  • Where the parent/carer is unwilling to seek help, suggest the guest phones a friend who can help them. In cases of real concern, if they still fail to act, contact Children’s Social Services direct for advice.
     

  • Seek and follow advice given by thirtyone:eight (who will confirm their advice in writing) if unsure whether or not to refer a case to Children’s Social Services.
     

  • If there is a concern about spiritual abuse the Safeguarding Co-ordinator will identify support services for the victim, such as counselling or other pastoral support, or contact Thirty-one:eight. In discussion with them consider appropriate action with regards to the scale of the concern

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Allegations of sexual abuse

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In the event of allegations or suspicions of sexual abuse, the Safeguarding Co-ordinator/Deputy will:
 

  • Contact the Children’s Social Services Department Duty Social Worker for children and families or Police Child Protection Team direct. They will NOT speak to the parent/carer or anyone else.
     

  • Seek and follow the advice given by thirtyone:eight if for any reason they are unsure whether or not to contact Children’s Social Services/Police. Thirtyone:eight will confirm its advice in writing for future reference.

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Detailed procedures where there is a concern that an adult is in need of protection: Suspicions or allegations of abuse or harm including; physical, sexual, organisational, financial, discriminatory, neglect, self-neglect, forced marriage, modern slavery, domestic abuse.


If there is concern about any of the above, Safeguarding Co-ordinator/Deputy will:

 

  • Contact the Adult Social Care Team who have responsibility under the Care Act 2014 to investigate allegations of abuse. Alternatively, thirtyone:eight can be contacted for advice.
     

  • If the adult is in immediate danger or has sustained a serious injury contact the Emergency Services, informing them of any suspicion

Expressions of suicide or violent intentions

If a guest talks about suicide, then it is very important to take them seriously. People who kill themselves have often talked about these feelings beforehand. Do ask the guest about it directly. You might want to ask, “Have you been planning how to end your life?” Evidence shows that asking someone if they feel suicidal can actually protect them. It gives them permission to talk about their feelings and that someone has listened and cared. You could ask “What is it that makes you feel like that?” Most people who feel suicidal don’t want to die, but they want to stop living the life they have and can’t see any other way out of it. You could ask “Is that the way you feel? “ Allowing them to talk about it and helping them get support may save their life.


Where expressions of suicidal or violent action against themselves or others, now or in the future, are made, prayer ministers should ensure that those with the pastoral care of the guest are informed, as explained in the Agreement to minister. Advice should be sought from the course leader, Safeguarding Lead or Thirty-one:eight for appropriate actions to be taken. The safety of the guest is paramount. Every effort must be made by those ministering to ensure the continued safety of the guest. Strongly encourage them to seek appropriate help. You must also inform them that you will need to inform the Safeguarding Lead If it is assessed that a guest is at risk of immediate harm or can describe how they would take their own life, they should be advised to go straight to their local A and E .


If the guest is unable to transport themselves, they should be advised to contact someone they know or dial 999 to call for an ambulance to transport them.

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If this happens on zoom you stay on zoom with them until transport arrives.


If you assess that the guest is having suicidal thoughts but is not at risk of immediate harm, then you should advise them to make an urgent appointment with their GP.


You should also explore with the guest what other forms of support they could access e.g. other health professionals, their family or friends, church, a support line like Mind (03001233393) or the Samaritans (116123) or further prayer appointments.


If the guest decides to leave the meeting or PMA appointment and not seek medical help, then our responsibility has ended and they have made their own decision against our advice.


The Lead minister should not be the last person to hear or assess that a guest is at risk of suicide. The situation can be discussed immediately following the appointment with 31.8 either with or without the guest.


Negative spiritual outbursts or occult manifestations cannot be dealt with during a zoom meeting, and the appointment should be shut down. If the guest needs help, then this should be sought using the same procedure that a suicide disclosure is done. Ministers must make sure that they cut themselves off from any influence that might have been transferred from the guest.

Allegations of abuse against a person who works with children/young people

If an accusation is made against a CPM member or worker (whether a volunteer or paid member of staff) whilst following the procedure outlined above, the Safeguarding Co-ordinator, in accordance with Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures will:

 

  • Liaise with Children’s Social Services regarding the suspension of the worker

  • Make a referral to a designated officer formerly called a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) whose function is to handle all allegations against adults who work with children and young people whether in a paid or voluntary capacity.

  • Make a referral to Disclosure and Barring Service for consideration of the person being placed on the barred list for working with children or adults with additional care and support needs. This decision should be informed by the LADO if they are involved.

Allegations of abuse against a person who works with adults with care and support needs

The safeguarding co-ordinator will:
 

  • Liaise with Adult Social Services in regards the suspension of the worker
     

  • Make a referral to the DBS following the advice of Adult Social Services
     

The Care Act places the duty upon Adult Services to investigate situations of harm to adults with care and support needs. This may result in a range of options including action against the person or organisation causing the harm, increasing the support for the carers or no further action if the ‘victim’ chooses for no further action and they have the capacity to communicate their decision. However, this is a decision for Adult Services to decide, not CPM.

Complaints procedure

In the event of a person receiving prayer ministry being dissatisfied with the way the prayer ministry was conducted, every effort should be made to ensure a satisfactory conclusion. If this fails, the CPM document “Complaints Procedure” for those receiving prayer ministry as shown in Annex 3 of the Code of Ethics and Practice should be followed.

Section 5 - Pastoral Care

Supporting those affected by abuse

The Steering Group of Trustees is committed to offering pastoral care, working with statutory agencies as appropriate, and support to all those who have been affected by abuse who have contact with or are part of the organisation.

Working with offenders and those who may pose a risk

When someone attending the organisation is known to have abused children, is under investigation, or is known to be a risk to adults with care and support needs; the Steering Group of Trustees will supervise the individual concerned and offer pastoral care, but in its safeguarding commitment to the protection of young people and adults with care and support needs, set boundaries for that person, which they will be expected to keep. These boundaries will be based on an appropriate risk assessment and through consultation with appropriate parties.

Adoption of the policy

This policy was agreed by the leadership and will be reviewed annually.


Signed by:                               

Position: Chair of the Steering Group of Trustees

Signed by:                                                                                               

Position:

Date: 09.01.2023

A copy of this policy is also lodged with CPM’s Administrator:

See also:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/729914/Working_Together_to_Safeguard_Children-2018

With grateful thanks and acknowledgment to Thirty-one:eight for the main contents of this document.

Draft written: January 2nd 2023

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