Safeguarding policy

 This is an extract from our Safeguarding policy.

Our commitment
Abuse in any form is unacceptable and we are committed to keeping everyone safe. Everyone, including children, young people and at-risk adults, has a right to participate in Quaker communities without suffering harm, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Quakers recognise ‘that of God’ in everyone.  All people deserve respect, value, and appropriate care. Our care extends to people who are potentially vulnerable to abuse and even to those who may be perpetrators.  We recognise abuse can include, but is not limited to, physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect. We know that Quakers may be open to risks because we foster a culture of welcome and trust for all. We accept that often an abuser is known to or in a trusted relationship with the child or adult and that sometimes abusers can be covert manipulators. 

Our responsibilities                                                                                                                    
 Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Our Trustees hold specific responsibility and we have appointed a Safeguarding Coordinator and a Deputy.  Contact details for our Safeguarding Coordinator and Deputy are displayed in each of our meeting houses and are available on request.

Safer Appointments
We recognise the need to follow safeguarding legislation and accepted good practice to reduce risk, both to vulnerable groups and to Quakers as an organisation. We also have an established and complementary spirit-led Quaker nominations process. The primary focus of our processes to place individuals in roles is to prioritise the safety of our vulnerable groups.

Training and good practice                                                                                                                               
Everyone involved in our Quaker activities will be familiar with our Code of Conduct, our Processes and Procedures and any specific safeguarding arrangements held locally, and everyone in a role of responsibility is appropriately trained. Our Procedures document contains detailed information about how to respond to a Safeguarding concern.

Pastoral care 
We will help those who have been affected by abuse who have contact with or are part of our Quaker meetings to access pastoral care and support, referring to outside agencies as appropriate.  

Regular reviews                                                                                                                                                          
Our policy is reviewed annually in March in the light of any new guidance, information or legislation. A more comprehensive review takes place every three years.  

More detailed information is available here.