Safer Behaviour
The church has a code of behaviour for all those working with children and/or adults at risk so that everyone is shown the respect that is due to them:
● Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
● Think about and tone of voice that you are using when engaging with children, young people and adults at risk. Be aware of your body language and the effect you are having on the those you are working with. This applies to both in person and online interactions.
● Listen well to everyone. Be careful not to assume you know what a child or adult at risk is thinking or feeling. Listen to what is being spoken and how it is said. At the same time, observe the individual’s body language to better understand what is being said.
● Be aware of any physical contact you may have with a child or adult at risk and record it when necessary. For instance, if you need to stop a fight, administer First Aid, give a hug to someone in distress, or protect yourself or others from danger.
● Do not make sexually suggestive comments about or to a child or adult at risk, even in ‘fun’.
● Do not scapegoat, belittle, ridicule or reject a child or adult at risk.
● Keep a record of any significant incidents or concerns on a Safeguarding Incident Form (see Appendix 3). Enter the names of all those present and anything of note which you observe, e.g. details of any fights broken up by the workers, allegations made, etc. All workers who witnessed the incident, overheard it or responded in any way should record the details and sign and date the form.
For a look at our full safeguarding policy go here.