Our Safeguarding Statement
Facing the Unthinkable
Safeguarding children and adults at risk of harm
TFM is delighted to work in partnership with churches and communities to share the gospel. Within this partnership everyone shares responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk of harm irrespective of individual roles.
It is vital that all those who work with children, young people and adults at risk of harm – including local authorities, the police, the health service, the courts, professionals, the voluntary sector and individual members of local communities – are aware of, and appreciate, the role that each plays in this area.
TFM staff and volunteers must similarly play their part in this process.
Everyone involved in TFM must agree to the ‘Spiritual Rule of life and Holiness’ which has been used as a ‘common standard’ since the first Walk mission in 1991. This is intended to ensure that everyone on a team has a common spiritual approach to the task, rooted in the example of Jesus regardless of our own home church affiliation or background.
It is hoped that this standard will, apart from any legal requirements for safeguarding, guide us by God’s grace to be above reproach in all circumstances.
Our commitment
The leadership of Through Faith Missions (TFM) recognise the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children, young people and adults at risk of harm
We acknowledge that children, young people and adults can be the victims of physical, sexual 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 Leadership we have therefore adopted the procedures set out in this safeguarding policy in accordance with statutory guidance.
The leadership undertakes to:
-
endorse and follow all national and local safeguarding legislation and procedures, in addition to the international conventions outlined above.
-
support local Safeguarding Coordinator(s) in their work and in any action they may need to take in order to protect children and adults at risk of harm.
Responsibility of Staff and Team members
We all have a three-fold responsibility;
-
Not to be the cause of harm
-
To be observant for harm caused by others
-
To report as soon as possible any concerns to the appropriate authority.
We have prepared a Safeguarding Policy and Guidance document which can be downloaded here.