Our commitment
KLS is committed to create a culture with safeguarding at its heart. We work to safeguard and protect:
· Those who attend our synagogue and engage in our events on and off site
· Our staff and volunteers
· The reputation of our synagogue and community.
We recognise and understand that safeguarding is the responsibility of all.
See our full safeguarding policy here.
We acknowledge that children, young people and adults can be the victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect, exploitation and radicalisation.
We acknowledge that children, young people and adults can be the victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect, exploitation and radicalisation.
We recognise and respect our moral and legal obligation to safeguard all children1 and At Risk Adults involved in KLS activities. Furthermore, to this end, we will aim to provide effective training and support to all members2, friends3, volunteers and employees who may come into contact with children or At Risk Adults.
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 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.”
We recognise that all children and at risk adults have a right to protection and that it is our responsibility to safeguard their interests and well-being.
In order to ensure that we maintain an environment that is safe, welcoming and employs best practice in implementing safeguarding principles we will:
● provide a framework for recruiting and training staff and volunteers that will ensure they fully support the Safeguarding policy of the synagogue
● ensure that communications between all sections of the synagogue in relation to interactions with children and At Risk Adults have a clear and detailed procedural structure that can be easily followed and maintained4
● acknowledge the reality that abuse does occur, and that we have an important role to play in raising awareness and understanding of the main forms of abuse. Thus, it is essential that we have publicised and accessible routes of communication for reporting abuse where suspected, in order to safeguard children and at risk adults.
● Use our online platform with The Safeguarding Company to record our pastoral work and any safeguarding concerns.
We are therefore committed to employing the procedures set out in this safeguarding policy, noting that these are in accordance with statutory guidance. We are committed also to building constructive links with statutory and voluntary agencies involved in safeguarding.
This policy and any associated practice guidelines are based on the ten Safe and Secure safeguarding standards published by thirtyone:eight.
KLS undertakes to:
● endorse and follow all national and local safeguarding legislation and procedures, in addition to the international conventions outlined above.
● ensure on-going safeguarding training for all our Staff and volunteers and regularly review the associated operational guidelines.
● Demonstrate our commitment to compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and other relevant legislation, and that the premises are welcoming and inclusive support the Safeguarding Coordinator(s) in their work and in any action, they may need to take in order to protect children and At Risk Adults with care and support needs.
Prevention
Understanding abuse and neglect
Defining child abuse or abuse against an adult is a difficult and complex issue. A person may abuse by inflicting harm or failing to prevent harm. Children and adults in need of protection may be abused within a family, an institution or a community setting on or offline. Very often the abuser is known or is in a trusted relationship with the child or adult. (See Appendix One)
In order to safeguard children and At Risk Adults at KLS, 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. States 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 Appendix One.
Safer recruitment
KLS will ensure that all Staff are appointed, trained, supported and supervised in accordance with government guidance on safe recruitment. This will be extended to volunteers where appropriate e.g. Beiteinu teachers. This includes ensuring that:
● There is a written job description / person specification for the post
● Those applying have completed an application form and a self-declaration form
● Those short listed have been interviewed
● Safeguarding has been discussed at interview
● Written references have been obtained, and followed up where appropriate
● A disclosure and barring check has been completed where necessary (we will comply with Code of Practice requirements concerning the fair treatment of applicants and the handling of information).
All staff and volunteers working directly with children (Beiteinu teachers) and those in leadership roles (e.g. members of synagogue council) will be subject to DBS checks (at the highest appropriate level).
● Qualifications where relevant have been verified
● A suitable training programme is provided for the successful applicant
● The successful applicant satisfactorily completes a probationary period
● The successful applicant receives and understands a copy of, or at least a summary of, the KLS safeguarding policy and knows how to report concerns.
Safeguarding training
KLS is committed to on-going safeguarding training and development opportunities for all employees and volunteers and to developing a culture of awareness of safeguarding issues to help protect everyone. Employees and volunteers will receive induction training and undertake recognised safeguarding training, as appropriate, on a regular basis. We will offer training within the synagogue and support employees and volunteers to access further
training through Liberal Judaism, Thirtyone:eight, the Local Authority and other appropriate organisations.
KLS will also ensure that children 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 Employee – Codes of Conduct
KLS is committed to ensuring that employees and volunteers receive support and supervision. Employees and volunteers will be issued with a code of conduct towards children, young people and adults with care and support needs.
Practice Guidelines
As a place of worship working with children, young people and adults who may have care and support needs, we wish to operate and promote good working practice. This will enable employees and volunteers to run activities safely, develop good relationships amongst themselves and minimise the risk of false or unfounded accusation.
KLS Responsibilities for Safeguarding Children and At Risk Adults
1. To ensure that all children and At Risk Adults enjoy a safe and welcoming environment.
2. To ensure all those who work and volunteer with children and At Risk Adults are aware of their roles and responsibilities in regard to safeguarding and have attended compulsory training to the appropriate level.
3. To ensure that all those working and volunteering with children and At Risk Adults respect the rights, wishes and feelings of the individuals they work with.
4. To ensure that when recruiting for positions, both voluntary and paid, that our stance on safeguarding children and At Risk Adults is clear.
5. To ensure that all those working within our organisation are safe to do so; ensuring DBS checks are undertaken on all those in regular supervisory contact with children and At Risk Adults
6. To ensure effective procedures are in place, regularly reviewed and updated in line with legislation
7. To ensure that employees and volunteers understand good working practices to prevent being placed in a at risk position where unfounded allegations could be made against them.
8. To ensure that all relevant parties are aware of the Safeguarding Policy and how to handle a disclosure should it be made. All safeguarding concerns should be reported via The Safeguarding Company online platform or to a member of the safeguarding team either verbally or in writing.
9. To ensure that all relevant parties understand the role and responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO), particularly in determining whether or not abuse has taken place, while understanding that it is everyone’s responsibility to refer concerns and disclosures.
10. To ensure that all suspicions and allegations of abuse are taken seriously and responded to appropriately.
11. To ensure that the synagogue is accountable to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for Surrey with respect to these procedures and that any suggested circumstance of poor practice is investigated through correct and established procedure and external advice sought when necessary5.
12. To ensure that confidentiality is maintained in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Human Rights Act 19986
13. To strive to ensure that any partner organisations (for example another synagogue, day centre or youth movement) have appropriate policies and procedures in place.
Working in Partnership
We believe good communication is essential in promoting safeguarding, - with those we wish to protect, with everyone involved in working with children and adults and with all those with whom we work in partnership. This safeguarding policy is one means of promoting safeguarding.
It is the responsibility of KLS to share information with other services, including Children’s and Adult’s social care or police, when there are concerns relating to the safety of children and At Risk Adults. Such sharing of information should be with the consent of the individual, parents/guardian(s) or carer(s) when this does not itself introduce additional risk of harm or increase the risk of significant harm.
Responding to allegations of abuse
Under no circumstances should a volunteer or employee carry out their own investigation into an allegation or suspicion of abuse. The procedures to be followed are given below:
Reporting and documenting a concern
It is essential that allegations of harm and suspicion of harm are reported as soon as possible to the DSO either directly using the Safeguarding Company online platform QR code or verbally or in writing.
It is essential that the allegations or suspicions are documented as soon as possible. The procedure to be used is as follows.:
- If the allegations or suspicions suggest that a child is suffering or at risk of suffering significant harm then the police must be immediately informed before following the steps described below.
- A person who becomes aware of allegations or suspicions of harm or the risk of harm to a child or at risk adult should report concerns as soon as possible to the Safeguarding Co-ordinator or the Rabbi.
If the allegations or suspicions involve a Safeguarding Co-ordinator and their Deputy, then the report should be made to the other Co-ordinator. If this is not possible or not appropriate then the report should be made to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for Surrey via 0300 123 1650 select option 3 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm) or LADO@surreycc.gov.uk. In such circumstances the Chair of KLS Council should be informed that a report has been made but should not be informed of the identity of any person thought to be harmed or at risk of harm, nor of the identity of the person(s) raising concern.
Alternatively contact Social Services or the police.
- The Safeguarding Co-ordinator should contact the appropriate external agency, possibly first taking advice from the thirtyone:eight helpline ( 0303 003 1111, Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00) or Jewish Care 020 8922 2222 or helpline@jcare.org
- Normally the appropriate external agency is Social Services for the Local Authority in which the child or at risk adult lives. Because the KLS catchment area crosses Local Authority boundaries it may be necessary to check which is the appropriate authority by entering the child or adult’s postcode at https://www.gov.uk/report-child-abuse-to-local-council or via NSPCC on 0808 800 5000
- The Safeguarding Co-ordinator may need to share information with others within – see below, depending on the circumstances and/or nature of the concern. (Advice can be sought from the thirtyone:eight helpline at this stage or at any stage in this procedure.)
- Chair or Council Member responsible for safeguarding who may need to liaise with the insurance company and/or the charity commission to report a serious incident.
- LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) if the allegation concerns a worker or volunteer working with someone under 18.
- Concerns must not be discussed with anyone other than the above. The identity of any individual involved should not be revealed, unless this is essential to protecting someone from future harm or is required by an external agency with the authority to request this information.
- All concerns must be recorded on the Safeguarding Company online platform. This will provide a full record of all concerns and the information provided by all involved.
- 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 if necessary, or taking advice from thirtyone:eight or Jewish Care.
- If a member of the congregation, member of staff or volunteer believes that a child is in immediate risk of significant harm, they should contact the police directly before reporting their concern to the Safeguarding Coordinator or Deputy.
- The KLS Council 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 to make a direct referral to the external safeguarding agencies or seek advice from thirtyone:eight or Jewish Care, although the KLS Council hope that members of the synagogue will normally use the procedure given here.
If, an 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 directly.
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.
If a child has a physical injury, a symptom of neglect or where there are concerns about emotional abuse, the Safeguarding Co-ordinator/Deputy will:
● Contact Children’s Social Services for advice in cases of disclosed or suspected non-accidental 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.
● Record all relevant information on Safeguarding Company online platform
● For lesser concerns, encourage parent/carer to seek help from relevant agencies, but not if this places the child at risk of significant harm. This information will also be recorded on Safeguarding Company online platform
● Where the parent/carer is unwilling to seek help, the Safeguarding Co-ordinator should seek further advice, for example from Children’s Social Services or thirtyone:eight or Jewish Care.
● Seek and follow advice given by thirtyone:eight or Jewish Care (who will confirm their advice in writing) if unsure whether or not to refer a case to Children’s Social Services.
Allegations of sexual abuse of a child
In the event of allegations or suspicions of sexual abuse of a child, 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 directly. 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.
● Record all relevant information on Safeguarding Company online platform
Detailed procedures where there is a concern that an adult is in need of protection:
Suspicions or allegations of abuse or harm might relate to one or more of: physical, sexual, organisational, financial, spiritual or discriminatory abuse; neglect, self-neglect, forced marriage, modern slavery, domestic abuse, radicalisation, seduction into criminal activity.
If there is concern about any of the above the Safeguarding Co-ordinator/Deputy will:
● Contact the Adult Social Care Team who have a legal responsibility to investigate allegations of abuse. 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 suspicions.
● Record all relevant information on Safeguarding Company online platform
If there is a concern regarding spiritual abuse the Safeguarding Co-ordinator will:
● Taking advice from thirtyone:eight, identify support services for the individual concerned, i.e. counselling or other pastoral support
● In discussion with thirtyone:eight, consider appropriate action according to the scale of the concern.
● Record all relevant information on Safeguarding Company online platform
Allegations of abuse against a person who works with children/young people
If an accusation is made against a worker (whether a volunteer or paid member of staff) whilst following the procedure outlined above, the Safeguarding Co-ordinator, in accordance with Local Multi-Agency Safeguarding Partners’ procedures will:
● Liaise with Children’s Social Services regarding the possible suspension of the worker
● Record all relevant information on Safeguarding Company online platform
● Make a referral to a designated officer, formerly called a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), for Surrey via 0300 123 1650 select option 3 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm) or LADO@surreycc.gov.uk, 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 (DBS) 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 made in consultation with 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 regarding the possible suspension of the worker
● Record all relevant information on Safeguarding Company online platform
● Make a referral to the DBS, if so advised by Adult Social Services
The Care Act 2014 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, the choice of option is for Adult Services to decide.
Pastoral Care
Supporting those affected by abuse
KLS is committed to offering pastoral care, working with statutory agencies as appropriate, and to providing support to all those who have been affected by abuse who have contact with or are part of the synagogue community.
Working with offenders and those who may pose a risk
When someone attending KLS is known to have abused children, is under investigation, or is known to be a risk to adults with care and support needs the Council Chair, the Rabbi and the Safeguarding Co-ordinators will arrange to supervise the individual concerned and offer pastoral care, but in its safeguarding commitment to the protection of children 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 consultation with appropriate parties, which would normally include a relevant external agency. All the relevant information will be recorded on Safeguarding Company online platform
Definition of a child
Pursuant to the Children Act 1989, the legal definition of a child is someone under the age of 18. Throughout this guidance when we refer to a child the meaning (unless otherwise stated) is a person under the age of 18.
What is meant by child abuse and neglect?
Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child
● by inflicting harm; or
● by failing to act to prevent harm.
Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting, by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger, whether in the physical world or in the virtual world, for example, online. They may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children.
The four definitions (and a few additional categories) of abuse below operate in England based on the government guidance ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)’.
Physical abuse
Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child.
NOTE: In England it is illegal, therefore abusive, for anyone other than a parent to hit a child, It is legal for a parent to do so only when this constitutes “reasonable chastisement” Whilst “reasonable chastisement” is not closely defined in law, any physical punishment that leaves a mark would not be considered reasonable.
Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond the child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyberbullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the
exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may also occur alone.
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.
Neglect
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:
● provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment);
● protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger;
● ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or
● ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.
It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.
Child sexual exploitation
Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.
Extremism
The current definition of extremism (March 2024) is
“Extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to:
● (1) negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or
● (2) undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or
● (3) intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2).”
Extremism seeks to sow division between communities on the basis of race, faith or denomination; justify discrimination towards women and girls; persuade others that minorities are inferior; or argue against the primacy of democracy and the rule of law in our society.
We need to be particularly aware of the risks of extremism within and against our community where individuals or groups begin to use ‘us and them’ language and thinking which dehumanises individuals or group and justifies the use of discriminatory and/ or offensive language and promotion of violence or harm.
Significant Harm
This relates to the degree of harm that triggers statutory action to protect a child. It is based on the individual child's health or development compared to that which could reasonably be expected of a similar child; e.g. severity of ill treatment, degree and extent of physical harm, duration and frequency of abuse and neglect, premeditation. Department of Health guidance suggests that 'significant' means 'considerable, noteworthy or important.'
Children in Whom Illness is Fabricated or Induced
This is a form of child abuse in which the parents or carers give false accounts of symptoms in their children and may falsify signs of illness (to draw attention to themselves). They seek repeated medical investigations and needless treatment for their children. The government guidance on this is found in 'Safeguarding Children in whom Illness is Fabricated or Induced' (2002).
Spiritual Abuse
Linked with emotional abuse, spiritual abuse could be defined as an abuse of power, often done in the name of God or religion, which involves manipulating or coercing someone into thinking, saying or doing things without respecting their right to choose for themselves.
Some indicators of spiritual abuse might be a leader who is intimidating and imposes his/her will on other people, perhaps threatening dire consequences or the wrath of God if disobeyed. He or she may say that God has revealed certain things to them and so they know what is right. Those under their leadership are fearful to challenge or disagree, believing they will lose the leader's (or more seriously God's) acceptance and approval.
In 2013 spiritual abuse was defined as “Spiritual abuse is coercion and control of one individual by another in a spiritual context. The target experiences spiritual abuse as a deeply emotional personal attack. This abuse may include:-manipulation and exploitation, enforced accountability, censorship of decision making, requirements for secrecy and silence, pressure to conform, misuse of scripture or the pulpit to control behaviour, requirement of obedience to the abuser, the suggestion that the abuser has a ‘divine’ position, isolation from others, especially those external to the abusive context.”(Oakley & Kinmond, 2013)
Domestic Abuse
The cross-government definition of domestic violence and abuse (as set out in The Domestic Abuse Act 2021) is:
Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to: psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse.
All children can witness and be adversely affected by domestic abuse in the context of their home life where domestic abuse occurs between family members. Exposure to domestic abuse and/or violence can have a serious, long lasting emotional and psychological impact on children. In some cases, a child may blame themselves for the abuse or may have had to leave the family home as a result.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
FGM is illegal in the UK. It is also an offence for UK nationals or permanent UK residents to carry out FGM abroad, or to aid, abet, counsel or procure the carrying out of FGM abroad, even in countries where the practice is legal.
The World Health Organization defined FGM as all procedures involving partial or total removal or stitching up of the female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs whether for cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons.
Working Together (2023) stated that
“Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a collective term for procedures which include the removal of part or all of the external female genitalia for cultural or other nontherapeutic reasons. The practice is medically unnecessary, extremely painful and has serious health consequences, both at the time when the mutilation is carried out and in later life. The procedure is typically performed on girls aged between four and thirteen, but in some cases FGM is performed on new born infants and younger children or on young women before marriage or pregnancy. A number of girls die as a direct result of the procedure from blood loss or infection, either following the procedure or subsequently in childbirth.
Signs of Possible Abuse (children & young people)
The following signs could be indicators that abuse has taken place but this is not always the case. They should be considered in the context of the child’s whole life.
Physical
● Injuries not consistent with the explanation given for them
● Injuries that occur in places not normally exposed to falls, rough games, etc
● Injuries that have not received medical attention
● Reluctance to change for, or participate in, games or swimming
● Repeated urinary infections or unexplained tummy pains
● Bruises on babies, bites, burns, fractures etc which are not obviously accidental
● Cuts/scratches/substance abuse
Sexual
● Any allegations made concerning sexual abuse
● Excessive preoccupation with sexual matters and detailed knowledge of adult sexual behaviour
● Age-inappropriate sexual activity through words, play or drawing
● Child who is sexually provocative or seductive with adults
● Inappropriate bed-sharing arrangements at home
● Severe sleep disturbances with fears, phobias, vivid dreams or nightmares, sometimes with overt or veiled sexual connotations
● Eating disorders - anorexia, bulimia
Emotional
● Changes or regression in mood or behaviour, particularly where a child withdraws or becomes clinging.
● Depression, aggression, extreme anxiety.
● Nervousness, frozen watchfulness
● Obsessions or phobias
● Sudden under-achievement or lack of concentration
● Inappropriate relationships with peers and/or adults
● Attention-seeking behaviour
● Persistent tiredness
● Running away/stealing/lying
Neglect
● Under nourishment, failure to grow, constant hunger, stealing or gorging food, Untreated illnesses,
● Inadequate care, etc
Definition of an adult at risk of harm:
An adult is someone 18 or (unless specific legislation states otherwise). Over the years, there have been a number of pieces of legislation dealing with adults of different ages and circumstances. (The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), the European Convention on Human Rights, the Human Rights Act 1998 and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2008)). These have now been consolidated into the Care Act 2014, which refers to adults with care and support needs. It follows that some adults, because of circumstance or particular vulnerability or risk, may be in need of protection.
When considering the safeguarding issues regarding adults, other pieces of legislation are also relevant such as the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014; the Mental Capacity Act 2005; the Modern Slavery Act 2015; and the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
Another important piece of legislation when dealing with safeguarding adults is the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Where decisions are being considered regarding the welfare of adults, under the Care Act 2014 they have to be full participants in the process and those who are involved in the investigations and assessments will form a view of the adult’s capacity to make decisions for themselves. This means that where there are safeguarding concerns, referrals must be made to Adult Services so that this level of capacity can be assessed
Definitions of Abuse (Adults)
The following information relates to the Safeguarding of Adults, as defined in the Care Act 2014, Chapter 14.
The legislation is relevant across England and Wales but on occasions applies only to local authorities in England.
The Safeguarding duties apply to an adult who;
● has need for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs) and;
● is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect; and
● as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect.
Organisations should always promote the adult’s wellbeing in their safeguarding arrangements. People have complex lives and being safe is only one of the things they want for themselves. Professionals should work with the adult to establish what being safe means to them and how that can be best achieved. Professional and other staff should not be advocating ‘safety’ measures that do not take account of individual well-being, as defined in Section 1 of the Care Act.
This section considers the different types and patterns of abuse and neglect and the different circumstances in which they may take place. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list but an illustrative guide as to the sort of behaviour which could give rise to a safeguarding concern.
Physical abuse – including assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate physical sanctions.
Domestic violence – including psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional abuse; so called ‘honour’ based violence.
Sexual abuse – including rape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking or touching, sexual teasing or innuendo, sexual photography, subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts, indecent exposure and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting.
Psychological abuse – including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyber bullying, isolation or unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal of services or supportive networks.
Financial or material abuse – including theft, fraud, internet scamming, coercion in relation to an adult’s financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.
Modern slavery – encompasses slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.
Discriminatory abuse – including forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment; because of race, gender and gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Organisational abuse – including neglect and poor care practice within an Institution or specific care setting such as a hospital or care home, for example, or in relation to care provided in one’s own home. This may range from one off incidents to on-going ill-treatment. It can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of the structure, policies, processes and practices within an organisation.
Neglect and acts of omission – including ignoring medical, emotional or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, care and support or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating.
Self-neglect – this covers a wide range of behaviour neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding. Incidents of abuse may be one-off or multiple, and affect one person or more.
Signs of Possible Abuse in Adults
Physical abuse
● History of unexplained falls, fractures, bruises, burns, minor injuries.
● Signs of under or over use of medication and/or medical problems left unattended.
● Any injuries not consistent with the explanation given for them
● Bruising and discolouration - particularly if there is a lot of bruising of different ages and in places not normally exposed to falls, rough games etc.
● Recurring injuries without plausible explanation
● Loss of hair, loss of weight and change of appetite
● Person flinches at physical contact &/or keeps fully covered, even in hot weather;
● Person appears frightened or subdued in the presence of a particular person or people
Domestic violence
● Unexplained injuries or ‘excuses’ for marks or scars
● Coercive, controlling and/or threatening relationship including psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional abuse; so called ‘honour’ based violence and Female Genital Mutilation.
Sexual abuse
● Pregnancy in a woman who lacks mental capacity or is unable to consent to sexual intercourse
● Unexplained change in behaviour or sexually explicit behaviour
● Torn, stained or bloody underwear and/or unusual difficulty in walking or sitting
● Infections or sexually transmitted diseases
● Full or partial disclosures or hints of sexual abuse
● Self-harming
● Emotional distress
● Mood changes
● Disturbed sleep patterns
Psychological abuse
● Alteration in psychological state e.g. withdrawn, agitated, anxious, tearful
● Intimidated or subdued in the presence of a carer
● Fearful, flinching or frightened of making choices or expressing wishes
● Unexplained paranoia
● Changes in mood, attitude and behaviour, excessive fear or anxiety
● Changes in sleep pattern or persistent tiredness
● Loss of appetite
● Helplessness or passivity
● Confusion or disorientation
● Implausible stories and attention seeking behaviour
● Low self-esteem
Financial or material abuse
● Disparity between assets and living conditions
● Unexplained withdrawals from accounts or disappearance of financial documents or loss of money
● Sudden inability to pay bills, getting into debt
● Carers or professionals fail to account for expenses incurred on a person’s behalf
● Recent changes of deeds or title to property
● Missing personal belongings
● Inappropriate granting and / or use of Power of Attorney
Modern slavery
● Physical appearance; unkempt, inappropriate clothing, malnourished
● Movement monitored, rarely alone, travel early or late at night to facilitate working hours.
● Few personal possessions or ID documents.
● Fear of seeking help or trusting people.
Discriminatory abuse
● Inappropriate remarks, comments or lack of respect
● Poor quality of or withholding of care
● Low self-esteem
● Withdrawn
● Anger
● Person puts themselves down in terms of their gender or sexuality
● Abuse may be observed in conversations or reports by the person of how they perceive themselves
Institutional Abuse
● Low self-esteem
● Withdrawn
● Anger
● Person puts themselves down in terms of their gender or sexuality
● Abuse may be observed in conversations or reports by the person of how they perceive themselves
● No confidence in complaints procedures for staff or service users.
● Neglectful or poor professional practice.
Neglect and acts of omission
● Deteriorating despite apparent care
● Poor home conditions, clothing or care and support.
● Lack of medication or medical intervention
Self-neglect
● Hoarding inside or outside a property
● Neglecting personal hygiene or medical needs
● Person looking unkempt or dirty and has poor personal hygiene
● Person is malnourished, has sudden or continuous weight loss and is dehydrated –
● Person is dressed inappropriately for the weather conditions
● Dirt, urine or faecal smells in a person’s environment
● Home environment does not meet basic needs (for example not heating or lighting)
● Depression
Recruitment and Employment Procedures in Relation to Safeguarding
KLS recognises the importance of screening all staff and volunteers during the recruitment process to ensure that they are suitable people to work with children and At Risk Adults. KLS also acknowledges that satisfactory DBS checks are the minimum screening requirement for all staff and volunteers occupying caring positions.
All those obtaining a DBS through KLS or Liberal Judaism will be encouraged to register with the DBS Update Service.
No member of the synagogue, whether a Member of Council or the Rabbi, may employ a new member of staff without the relevant paperwork being completed.
All prospective volunteers should be asked to complete the following:
a.) An application form relevant to the position but that will include a section on experience of working with children and At Risk Adults.
b.) Two personal references from people who are not directly involved in the work of KLS
c.) Details of any criminal charges. (Note: Disclosure of a criminal record may not in itself prevent appointments as KLS will take into consideration the nature of the offence)
d.) A DBS check if they are coming into direct contact with children or At Risk Adults.
1. Professional Qualifications: If these are relevant to the position then they must be checked with the education or training institution that awarded them. If a certificate is presented then its authenticity must be confirmed.
2. References: These must be provided on ‘official paper’ or from a business email. and the identity of the referee must be checked by telephone. Where a written reference provides no more than the statutory minimum of confirmation of dates of employment and job titles, further information should be sought through an informal telephone call. All information will be recorded and kept on file.
3. Curriculum Vitae: There should be no unexplained gaps in a candidate’s CV. Where there are gaps the candidate must be asked to explain them during an interview and the plausibility of their explanation checked by the chair of the selection panel.
4. Interview: The interview should include questions specifically designed to test the candidate’s awareness of relevant legislation and guidance – if relevant to the requirements of the job/ volunteer position they are seeking to fill. Gaps in a candidate’s knowledge will not in itself prevent appointment but will be remedied in the induction process if the candidate is appointed.
Following the appointment of a candidate the Safeguarding Coordinators and the chair of the selection panel will ensure that the appointee receives the appropriate Safeguarding training and sees and understands all relevant KLS procedures.
The Safeguarding Co-ordinators will formally identify any training needs at least once a year and ensure that there is plan installed to meet them
There will be times when it is appropriate not to appoint a worker:
● An applicant should never be appointed where it is known that they have a criminal record for offences relating to children or sexual or violent behaviour.
● Applicants will not be appointed where an unsatisfactory reference is received.
All staff will be expected to adhere to KLS’ ‘Code of Conduct for Working with Children and At Risk Adults’.
Code of Conduct
Good Practice for Working with Children and At Risk Adults
KLS wants to ensure that all members of the Synagogue experience an inclusive, enjoyable and safe environment, in which they feel respected and valued. All staff and volunteers must share the objective to keep children, young people and At Risk Adults safe and must be committed to:
● promoting the welfare of children, young people and At Risk Adults and safeguarding them from harm
● respecting the rights, wishes and feelings of children, young people and At Risk Adults
● encouraging inclusive practices and not tolerating any form of discriminatory practice
● keeping up to date with safeguarding policies, procedures and training
● responding to all incidents of suspicious poor practice and allegations of abuse swiftly and appropriately
● record all relevant information about safeguarding concerns and pastoral support on Safeguarding Company online platform
All staff and volunteers are responsible for establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries with children and At Risk Adults. All Staff should ensure that they are not dependent on their relationships with any of these individuals to meet their own emotional needs.
● If it is necessary to touch, keep everything public. A hug in the context of a group is very different from a hug behind closed doors.
● Staff / Volunteers should avoid spending excessive time alone with a child or at risk adult, taking them on car journeys or taking them to their own home. If any of these situations are unavoidable then it should only be with the permission of the Guardian or DSO where appropriate.
● Touching should be related to the child/at risk adult’s needs and not the Staff.
● Touching should be age appropriate and generally initiated by the child/at risk adult.
● All activity which is, or may be construed as, sexually stimulating to the at risk adult/child or the worker should be avoided.
● Staff should take responsibility for monitoring one another in the area of physical contact and should be free to constructively challenge a colleague if necessary. They should also feel able to discuss situations as they arise with the DSO.
● All inappropriate language must be challenged.
● No sexually explicit language should be used.
● No staff/volunteer should do anything for a child or at risk adult that they can do for themselves. There may be times when it is necessary for staff/volunteers to do things of a personal nature for a child or at risk adult particularly if they have disabilities. However, these tasks should only be carried out with the full understanding and consent of the authorised guardian or carer.
In an emergency situation which requires this type of help, the guardian should be fully informed as soon as reasonably possible. It is essential that all staff/volunteers are sensitive to the individual and undertake personal care tasks with the utmost discretion.
● All allegations, disclosures or concerns MUST be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Officer via the Safeguarding Company online platform or directly verbally or in writing.
● Staff should treat all children and At Risk Adults with dignity and respect.
● In regards to children it should be remembered that good behaviour is not always about being quiet and obedient. Children need to be encouraged to understand individual rights and responsibilities. In order for children to learn good behaviour adults must set a good example for them in the way they treat the children and each other.
● If a worker arranges an activity with a child or at risk adult outside a scheduled event this must be logged in the Synagogue diary and another member of staff or council must be informed. This should be recorded on the Safeguarding Company online platform.
● A child or at risk adult who arrives uninvited to a worker’s home should not be allowed to stay without the consent of the guardian.
● Parent/ Guardian’s consent must be obtained for all organised activities and outings including for the transport arrangements.
Communication Protocols
i) Reporting concerns
At a minimum, the report entered on Safeguarding Company online platform should include the following:
1. Time, date and place of the incident;
2. As appropriate, location(s) in the building;
3. The nature of the concern;
4. Identifying details of those involved, with as much detail as possible;
5. Names (as possible) of those the concern has been shared with;
6. The details of any actions already taken to safeguard children/At Risk Adults;
7. The details of any other events occurring at the time of the incident; and
8. The name of the person who raised the concern.
ii) Procedural Structure for Communication between Different Sections of the Community Working with Children and At Risk Adults
1. Everyone who is in a position where they may come into contact with At Risk Adults or children in their capacity as a volunteer or member of staff will be made aware of who the designated Safeguarding Co-ordinators are and the most efficient way to contact them.