Managing and responding to safeguarding allegations against staff and volunteers.

1. Introduction

Safeguarding is a core responsibility for all organisations working with children, young people, and vulnerable adults. As a synagogue that operates as a registered charity under UK law, Kingston Liberal Synagogue, is committed to ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all members, visitors, staff, and volunteers. This policy outlines the procedures to be followed in the event that a safeguarding allegation is made against a member of staff or a volunteer at the synagogue.

2. Scope and Purpose

This policy applies to all staff (paid or unpaid) and volunteers engaged by or with Kingston Liberal Synagogue, regardless of their role or the nature of their engagement. The purpose of this policy is to:

• Provide clear guidance on responding to safeguarding allegations
• Protect children, young people, and vulnerable and At Risk adults from harm or abuse
• Ensure allegations are taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and dealt with in accordance with the law
• Comply with charity law, UK safeguarding legislation, and best practice guidance from the Charity Commission and relevant local authorities
• Protect staff and volunteers from false, malicious, or unfounded allegations while ensuring that no one is put at unnecessary risk

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy is informed by and complies with:

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• The Care Act 2014
• The Charity Commission guidance on safeguarding (CC30 and related documents)
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
• Safer Recruitment guidance
• Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
• After-school clubs, community activities, and tuition: Safeguarding guidance for providers 2023
• Any relevant local authority safeguarding partnership protocols

4. Definitions

• Safeguarding Allegation: Any concern, suspicion, or disclosure that a staff member or volunteer has harmed, may harm, or poses a risk to a child, young person, or vulnerable adult.
• Child: Anyone under the age of 18.
• Vulnerable or At Risk Adult: A person aged 18 or over who is or may be unable to care for themselves, protect themselves from harm or exploitation, or report abuse due to age, illness, disability, or other circumstances.

5. Designated Safeguarding Lead

Kingston Liberal Synagogue has appointed a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSLs. The DSL is responsible for receiving allegations, making referrals, liaising with statutory authorities, and overseeing safeguarding practice within the synagogue.

The name and contact details of the DSL and Deputy DSL are clearly displayed on synagogue premises and published in member communications.

6. Procedure for Responding to Allegations

6.1 Receiving an Allegation

• Any concern, suspicion, or allegation must be taken seriously and reported immediately to the DSL. If the allegation concerns the DSL, it should be reported to the Synagogue Chair or another senior officer.
• The person receiving the allegation should not investigate, question the victim, or approach the accused. Their role is to listen, record, and report.
• Document the allegation as soon as possible, using the safeguarding concern form if available, including date, time, persons involved, and factual details. Do not include opinion or speculation.

6.2 Immediate Actions

• The DSL will assess any immediate risk to the alleged victim and others. If a child or vulnerable adult is at imminent risk or in need of emergency medical attention, call 999.
• Where appropriate, the DSL will refer the matter to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), social services, or the police, according to statutory guidance.
• Preserve evidence wherever possible, and do not attempt to confront the alleged perpetrator.

6.3 Notifying Trustees and Charity Commission

• Trustees must be informed of any serious safeguarding incident without delay, in line with Charity Commission requirements.
• If the incident constitutes a 'serious incident' under Charity Commission guidance (e.g., actual or alleged abuse), trustees must report it via the Commission’s online form as soon as possible.

7. Support for Victims and Others Affected

• Ensure the immediate safety and wellbeing of the alleged victim.
• Offer access to pastoral support, counselling, or referral to relevant external agencies.
• Consider the support needs of others affected, including witnesses and family members.

8. Managing the Person Subject to Allegation

• The staff member or volunteer may be suspended from duties or reassigned to non-contact roles until the outcome of the investigation, to protect both the individual and others involved. Suspension is a neutral act and does not imply guilt.
• Inform the individual of the allegation as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so, and explain the procedures being followed. Advise them of their right to be accompanied and to seek advice from a trade union or other representative.
• Maintain confidentiality and do not discuss the allegation with others except those who need to know.

9. Investigations

9.1 Referrals to Statutory Bodies

• If the allegation meets the threshold (e.g., poses a risk to a child or vulnerable adult), refer immediately to the LADO (for allegations against those working with children), police, or adult social services.
• Cooperate fully with statutory authorities during their investigations.
• Do not commence an internal investigation until statutory authorities have concluded their enquiries or advise it is appropriate to proceed.

9.2 Internal Investigation

• After statutory enquiries, conduct an internal investigation to determine whether disciplinary or other action is needed.
• Follow the synagogue’s disciplinary procedures, ensuring fairness, impartiality, and the right to respond to allegations.
• Document all steps, decisions, and evidence.

10. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

• All information relating to safeguarding allegations must be handled in line with UK data protection laws and only shared on a need-to-know basis.
• Records must be kept securely and retained for as long as necessary in accordance with the synagogue’s data retention policy and statutory requirements.
• All parties must be reminded of the importance of confidentiality to protect all involved and the integrity of the process.

11. Whistleblowing

Kingston Liberal Synagogue encourages anyone with concerns about the conduct of staff or volunteers to report these without fear of retaliation. The synagogue will provide protection for whistleblowers in line with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 and best practice guidance.

12. Learning and Review

• After any safeguarding allegation, review and reflect on the synagogue’s practice and procedures to identify areas for improvement.
• Where necessary, update this policy and provide additional training or support for staff and volunteers.

13. Training and Awareness

• All staff and volunteers must receive regular safeguarding training, including how to recognise and report safeguarding concerns and allegations.
• The DSL and Deputy DSL should have enhanced training appropriate to their level of responsibility.
• Induction for new staff and volunteers must include safeguarding procedures and the code of conduct.

14. Code of Conduct

All staff and volunteers are expected to abide by the synagogue’s code of conduct, which sets out appropriate boundaries and behaviours. Breaches of the code may result in disciplinary action and, where relevant, referral to statutory authorities.

15. Allegations Against Trustees or Senior Leaders

Any safeguarding allegation against a trustee, senior leader, or the DSL must be reported directly to the synagogue Chair (or another designated senior figure if the allegation concerns the Chair). The same principles and procedures apply.

16. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the trustees and DSL, or after any serious incident or change in legislation. Amendments should be approved by the board of trustees and circulated to all staff and volunteers.

17. Contact Details

• Designated Safeguarding Lead: safeguarding@klsonline.org
• Deputy Safeguarding Lead: rabbilev@klsonline.org
• Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO): Contact via the Surrey Children's Single Point of Access (SPoA) using the number 0300 200 1006, available Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.  For concerns about adults, the contact number is 0300 470 9100, available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
• Chair of Trustees: klschairperson@gmail.com
• Charity Commission: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-report-a-serious-incident-in-your-charity

18. Related Policies and Further Guidance

• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
• Vulnerable Adults Policy
• Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers
• Complaints Policy
• Data Protection and Confidentiality Policy
• Disciplinary Procedures
• Whistleblowing Policy

This policy is adopted by the board of trustees of Kingston Liberal Synagogue on [Date], and will be made available to all staff, volunteers, members, and the public.

For more information or advice, please contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead- safeguarding@klsonline.org.