PEACEMAKERS Prayer/City Patrols

Safeguarding Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to protect people, particularly children, at-risk adults and beneficiaries of assistance, from any harm that may be caused due to their encountering Peacemakers Prayer Patrols/ Peacemakers City Patrols. This includes harm arising from:

• The conduct of staff or personnel associated with PPP/PCP
• The design and implementation of PPP/PCP’s programs and activities

The policy lays out the commitments made by Peacemakers and informs staff and associated personnel[1] of their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding.

This policy does not cover:

• Sexual harassment in the workplace – this is dealt with under Peacemakers Anti Bullying and Harassment Policy
• Safeguarding concerns in the wider community not perpetrated by Peacemakers or associated personnel

What is safeguarding?

In the UK, safeguarding means protecting peoples’ health, wellbeing, and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect.

Safeguarding means taking all reasonable steps to prevent harm, particularly sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment from occurring; to protect people, especially vulnerable adults and children, from that harm; and to respond appropriately when harm does occur. Peacemakers understand it to mean protecting people, including children and at-risk adults, from harm that arises from encountering our staff or programs.

This definition draws from our values and principles and shapes our culture. It pays specific attention to preventing and responding to harm from any potential, actual or attempted abuse of power, trust, or vulnerability, especially for sexual purposes.

Scope

1. All Peacemakers Volunteers and staff.
2. Associated personnel whilst engaged with work or visits related to Peacemakers, including but not limited to the following: consultants; volunteers; contractors; program visitors including journalists, celebrities and politicians

Policy Statement

PEACEMAKERS believe that everyone we may encounter, regardless of age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or ethnic origin has the right to be protected from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.  Peacemakers will not tolerate abuse and exploitation by staff, volunteers or associated personnel.

This policy will address the following areas of safeguarding [as appropriate]:  child safeguarding, adult safeguarding, and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse.

PEACEMAKERS commit to addressing safeguarding throughout its work, through the three pillars of prevention, reporting, and response.

Prevention

Peacemakers responsibilities will:

• Ensure all volunteers and staff have access to, are familiar with, and know their responsibilities within this policy
• Design and undertake all its programs and activities in a way that protects people from any risk of harm that may arise from their encountering This includes the way in which information about individuals in our programs is gathered and communicated.
• Implement stringent safeguarding procedures when recruiting, managing and deploying staff and associated personnel
• Ensure volunteers and staff receive training on safeguarding at a level commensurate with their role in the organization
• Follow up on reports of safeguarding concerns promptly and according to due process

Staff responsibilities

Child safeguarding

PEACEMAKERS staff and associated personnel must not:

• Engage in sexual activity with anyone under the age of 18
• Sexually abuse or exploit children
• Subject a child to physical, emotional or psychological abuse, or neglect
• Engage in any commercially exploitative activities with children including child labor or trafficking

Adult safeguarding

Peacemakers volunteers, staff and associated personnel must not:

• Sexually abuse or exploit at-risk adults (Sometimes also referred to as vulnerable adults. A person who is or may need care by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm)
• Subject an at-risk adult to physical, emotional or psychological abuse, or neglect

Protection from sexual exploitation and abuse

Peacemakers volunteers, staff and associated personnel must not:

• Exchange money, employment, goods or services for sexual activity. This includes any exchange of assistance that is due to beneficiaries of assistance
• Engage in any sexual relationships with beneficiaries of assistance, since they are based on inherently unequal power dynamics.

Additionally, Peacemakers volunteers, staff and associated personnel are obliged to:

• Contribute to creating and maintaining an environment that prevents safeguarding violations and promotes the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy
• Report any concerns or suspicions regarding safeguarding violations by a Peacemakers volunteer, staff member or associated personnel to the appropriate staff member

Enabling reports

Peacemakers will ensure that safe, appropriate, accessible means of reporting safeguarding concerns are made available to staff and the communities we work with.

Any volunteer or staff reporting concerns or complaints through formal whistleblowing channels (or if they request it) will be protected by Peacemakers Disclosure of Malpractice in the Workplace (Whistleblowing) Policy.

Peacemakers will also accept complaints from external sources such as members of the public, partners and official bodies.

How to report a safeguarding concern

Volunteers and Staff members who have a complaint or concern relating to safeguarding should report it immediately to their Safeguarding Focal Point,  If however the volunteer or staff member does not feel comfortable reporting to their Safeguarding Focal Point person (for example if they feel that the report will not be taken seriously, or if that person is implicated in the concern) they may report directly to Commissioner Reverend Palmer, Peacemakersprayerpatrol@gmail.com, Telephone 07508390298

Response

Peacemakers will follow up safeguarding reports and concerns according to policy and procedure, and legal and statutory obligations (see Procedures for reporting and response to safeguarding concerns in Associated Policies).

Peacemakers will apply appropriate disciplinary measures to volunteers or staff found in breach of policy.

Peacemakers will offer support to survivors of harm caused by volunteers or staff or associated personnel, regardless of whether a formal internal response is carried out (such as an internal investigation).  Decisions regarding support will be led by the survivor.

Confidentiality

It is essential that confidentiality is maintained at all stages of the process when dealing with safeguarding concerns.  Information relating to the concern and subsequent case management should be shared on a need to know basis only, and, should always be kept secure.

NEW POLICY  SAFEGUARDING POLICY 2025

Commitment to Safety

1. PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS (the ‘Organisation’) works actively to prevent harm and promote the welfare of all adults at risk that we interact with (i.e. as PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS’s service users). This Safeguarding Policy applies to individuals referred to as ‘Beneficiaries’.
2. The Organisation is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all the Beneficiaries, free from discrimination based on age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.
3. This Safeguarding Policy adheres to the latest safeguarding laws of England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, including relevant government guidance. If there is any conflict between this Policy and these laws, PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS will always prioritise upholding the legal requirements.
4. PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS has implemented this Safeguarding Policy in fulfilment of its obligations as a charity regulated by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
5. For questions about this policy, please contact Reverend Dr Dawnecia Palmer OBA AFP in the first instance, via e-mail peacemakersprayerpatrol@gmail.com or via phone +44 07508390298.

Safeguarding Policy Scope

6. This Policy applies to everyone working for or representing PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS in the UK, regardless of position, employment type (full-time, part-time, temporary), or affiliation (direct employee, contractor, volunteer, intern; collectively ‘Staff Members’).
7. This Policy is separate from employment contracts. To ensure its effectiveness, PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS may revise the Policy at any time. We will communicate any changes transparently.
8. This Policy outlines PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS’s approach to harm prevention for its Beneficiaries through Staff Member’s conduct and practices.
9. This Safeguarding Policy applies to the organisation and operation of all PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS activities that involve adults at risk (i.e. Relevant Activities). These primarily include: a. Community Outreach

Safeguarding Definition

10. The term ‘Safeguarding’ refers to practices and procedures designed to protect vulnerable individuals from harm or potential harm. It also promotes their overall well-being. Safeguarding is particularly crucial for children and adults at risk, with most legal obligations related to their care. This Policy specifically addresses adults at risk safeguarding, defining adults at risk as individuals 18 years old or over (in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) or 16 years old or over (in Scotland) who require care and support, and due to this, are unable to protect themselves from harm (e.g. illness, disability). This can be temporary or permanent.
11. This Safeguarding Policy outlines PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS’s commitment to protecting its beneficiaries from harm caused by:  a.) PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS activities, practices, and the potential for harm arising from the conduct of its Staff Members, or b.) People and situations beyond (PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS) and its Staff Members’ control. This includes instances where Staff Members are aware of,  ought to be aware of, or reasonably suspect a situation that poses a safeguarding risk.
12. This policy defines a ‘Safeguarding Concern’ as any conduct or situation that a Staff Member or someone else suspects might violate the safeguarding commitments above.

How PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS Protects Its Beneficiaries: Key Safeguarding Measures

13. Prioritising safeguarding adults by applying leadership and guidance provided by local Safeguarding Adults Board

14. All Staff Members will receive training on identifying and reporting safeguarding concern Also, PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS encourages them to report any Safeguarding Concerns they identify (set out below under the heading ‘Procedures: Reporting’).

15. We create a safe, accessible, fair, and efficient space for all Staff Members to raise safeguarding concerns (colleagues, beneficiaries, or anyone else involved). We expect all staff to listen attentively and professionally. Training will equip Staff Members to support those raising concerns and guide them through PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS’s established reporting procedure All reported concerns will be handled by designated individuals and teams following PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS’s relevant procedures (detailed below under ‘Procedures: Investigation and Response’).

a) PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS has fair and objective procedures to address all safeguarding concerns, even when they involve Staff Members. Allegations are taken seriously, with the severity of the claims considered throughout the process. We are committed to protecting all parties involved. This means we will only presume guilt or publicly criticise people once a thorough investigation is completed.

b) Reports that qualify as protected disclosures under whistleblowing law will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and following all relevant whistleblowing policies law.

16. Reverend Dr Dawnecia Palmer OBA AFP is designated as the lead for safeguarding policies and procedures within PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS.

17. Following appropriate recruitment processes for all new staff members, including volunteers. These processes include:

a) Conducting pre-employment checks following relevant regulations.

b) All new Staff Members must take part in, and understand the content of, all necessary safeguarding training before having any contact with PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS’s Beneficiaries. This training equips them with the knowledge and skills to keep everyone safe.

c) Following PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS’s staff recruitment and selection procedures.

18. Every Staff Member should be provided with, and required to undertake, training that is appropriate to their role, responsibilities, and degree and type of contact with Beneficiaries. This should, if appropriate, include training on:

a) Identify and respond to abuse by recognising signs of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

b) Learn active listening skills and how to navigate disclosure of safeguarding concerns, including confidentiality.

c) Follow reporting procedures by understanding when and how to report concerns using PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS’s established procedures.

d) Stay informed by discovering additional resources like policies, documents, and external training to stay up-to-date on safeguarding best practices.

19. Treating all safeguarding information with the utmost confidentiality and security. This involves:

a) Complying with UK data protection legislation, including The UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

b) Following PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS’s data protection policies and procedures.

c) Providing Staff Members with training on data protection and privacy, if appropriate. d. Making easy to access Reverend Dr Dawnecia Palmer OBA AFP, who can be contacted by emailing peacemakersprayerpatrol@gmail.com or at 07508390298 for Staff Members as an identifiable point of contact for questions or concerns about data protection and privacy.

d) Sharing safeguarding information internally ONLY on a strict need-to-know basis to ensure the best possible care for the beneficiary involved.

20. Building a safe environment by creating a culture of transparency and awareness to prevent harm. For example:

a) Encourage open communication by informing beneficiaries about PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS’s safeguarding procedures and how to report any concerns.

b) Acknowledge by the Staff Members of safeguarding laws, PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS’s safeguarding commitments and procedures, and Staff Members’ responsibilities concerning these.

21. Regularly reviewing all safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure that they are up-to-date with safeguarding law and that they remain suitable for PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS’s Relevant Activities and workforce, and meeting any review and evaluation requirements specific to PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS’s industry and organisation type.

Staff Members’ Responsibilities

22. All Staff Members are responsible for promoting the safety and well-being of all of PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS’s Beneficiaries by following all of PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS’s policies and procedures relevant to safeguarding and all UK laws relevant to safeguarding. Specifically:

a) All Staff Members at PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS play a role in keeping Beneficiaries safe and every role will be covered in detail during training. In case of doubt, it is important to contact Reverend Dr Dawnecia Palmer OBA AFP to clarify any aspect of roles and responsibilities.

b) Encourage all Staff Members to actively participate and ask questions if anything is unclear to Reverend Dr Dawnecia Palmer OBA AFP.

c)  Do not risk the safety or well-being of any of PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS’s Beneficiaries by avoiding any of the next situations:  i) Subjecting them to or facilitating abuse of any sort.  ii) Engaging in any sexual activity with children (i.e. anybody under the age of 18).  iii.) Participating in or facilitating any activities that may commercially exploit Beneficiaries. For example, failing to report suspected child labour or trafficking.

d) Staff Members must report all Safeguarding Concerns that they have regarding Beneficiaries’ safety, regardless of whether the concerns relate to potential wrongdoing of other Staff Members, other Beneficiaries, or external parties (e.g. parents, teachers, other organisations, or members of the public).

Procedures: Reporting

23. To ensure the safety of PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS Beneficiaries, Staff Members will be trained to recognise potential safeguarding concerns like abuse, neglect, and threats to well-being.
24. Staff Members who identify a safeguarding concern should report it following the next steps:  a) Talk to the Designated Safety Lead or fill out the online PREVENT Concerns form. Ensure it complies with safeguarding and data protection laws. Consult a lawyer if needed.
25. Staff Members unable to follow the standard reporting steps should still report the concern in another alternative way. This may be the case if, for example:  a)Contacting someone potentially involved in the concern, or someone the Staff Member feels uncomfortable approaching, b) In emergencies involving a risk of serious harm, contact emergency services (e.g. police, ambulance, mental health crisis line) directly, or, if appropriate, report the concern to a senior member of PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS’s staff.

Procedures: Investigation and Response

26. All Reported Safeguarding Concerns at PEACEMAKERS PRAYER AND CITY SAFETY PATROLS are treated seriously and addressed promptly by trained personnel following the established procedures and relevant laws. For more details about these procedures, please contact Reverend Dr Dawnecia Palmer OBA AFP.

27. We aim to keep Staff Members who report a Safeguarding Concern informed about its progress as much as possible, depending on the nature of the concern and the confidentiality of the investigation

28. In case of breach of this Safeguarding Policy or safeguarding law in general by a Staff Member, they will be treated fairly and will only be dismissed if appropriate in the circumstances and in accordance with employment law.

29. External referrals or notifications (e.g. to police services, local authorities, or regulatory bodies) will only be made when deemed necessary and strictly following applicable laws, including data protection regulations, to ensure the safety and well-being of Beneficiaries.