Safeguarding

Introduction

We uphold the welfare of the child as being paramount (Children Act 1989) and believe that all children and adults at risk of harm regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity have a right to equal protections from all types of harm or abuse. We recognise that some people are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, additional needs, social circumstances or other risk factors. CPAS views working in partnership with children and adults at risk of harm, alongside their parents, carers and other agencies, as essential in promoting their welfare

CPAS affirms the Principles of the House of Bishops’ Policy for Safeguarding that: ‘Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.’ 

Values and culture

CPAS has the following values:

• Missionally Focused.
• Graciously Engaged.
• Boldly Innovative.
• Courageously Hopeful.

CPAS believes that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and is committed to protecting children and adults at risk of harm from maltreatment and facilitating safe environments where they can flourish. In order to ensure this happens throughout our work with children and young people who engage in our residential holidays, our leadership training and activities, our patronage work and in our support services, we will:

• Specify appropriate and robust policies and procedures for safeguarding.
• Appoint nominated staff and volunteers with safeguarding responsibilities that are clearly articulated in their job/role descriptions.
• Appoint a Safeguarding Trustee with appropriate experience and skills.
• Provide effective management to staff and volunteers.
• Recruit and select staff and volunteers who are safe to work with children and young people.
• Record and store information safely, using our CPOMS or other designated systems.
• Ensure that children and young people, our staff and volunteers know where to go for help if they have a concern.
• Manage concerns or allegations in a prompt, fair and sensitive manner in accordance with relevant policies.
• Ensure sufficient resource is available for the management of safeguarding activity.
• Create and maintain an anti-bullying environment and ensure we have policies to help us deal effectively with any bullying that does arise.
• Monitor and understand safeguarding activity and ensure a learning culture is promoted to ensure our policies and training are relevant and high quality.
• Actively lead a culture that promotes excellence in safeguarding.

Award

Our commitment to creating safe, respectful environments for all.

We are thrilled to have achieved the Thirtyone:eight Safeguarding Standard Award, a nationally recognised safeguarding quality award, demonstrating our commitment to creating safer places. 

The Award covers 10 standards that helps build confidence for us to make our environments safer all.

CPAS believes that every person has inherent value and must be protected from harm. Safeguarding is integral to our mission, ministries and leadership, and is strengthened through openness, accountability and learning.

Achieving the award is not the end point, but a strong foundation on which to continue building a healthy, transparent, and values-led safeguarding culture. 

Policy documents

Safeguarding Policy

Complaints Policy

Safeguarding Escalation Pathway

Whistleblowing Policy