Watersprings Christian Centre Safeguarding Policy for Adults

1. Introduction

Watersprings Christian Centre (WCC) recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of adults with care and support needs, hereafter referred to as "adults at risk," by promoting their safety and wellbeing in accordance with statutory requirements. This policy has been developed in line with the Care Act 2014, Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, and guidance from thirtyone:eight. It reflects our commitment to provide a safe, caring environment for all who engage with our ministry, especially those who may be vulnerable due to age, disability, illness, mental health, or other circumstances.

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2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All church staff, volunteers, ministers, and trustees.

• All activities involving or accessible to adults at risk.

• All settings operated by Watersprings Christian Centre and its branches.

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3. Safeguarding Principles

WCC is committed to:

• Promoting the dignity and respect of all adults.

• Preventing abuse wherever possible.

• Empowering individuals to make their own choices, where capacity allows.

• Working in partnership with statutory agencies to ensure effective safeguarding.

We affirm that adults at risk have the right to:

• Live a life free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

• Be treated with respect and dignity.

• Be involved in decisions that affect them.

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4. Definitions of Abuse

In the context of adults, abuse can take many forms, including but not limited to:

• Physical Abuse: e.g. hitting, slapping, misuse of medication.

• Sexual Abuse: e.g. sexual assault, inappropriate touching, exposure to sexual materials.

• Emotional/Psychological Abuse: e.g. threats, humiliation, isolation.

• Financial Abuse: e.g. theft, misuse of money or property, scams.

• Neglect and Acts of Omission: e.g. ignoring medical needs, withholding food or care.

• Self-neglect: where an individual fails to care for their own essential needs.

• Modern Slavery

• Discriminatory Abuse: unequal treatment based on race, gender, disability, etc.

• Organisational Abuse: mistreatment through poor practice in care settings.

• Domestic Abuse: including coercive control, emotional or physical violence.

• Spiritual Abuse: coercive or controlling religious influence that harms.

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5. Recognising and Responding to Concerns

Anyone who suspects that an adult at risk is being abused or neglected should:

• Respond calmly and sensitively.

• Listen carefully but do not investigate.

• Record what was said and what was observed as soon as possible.

• Report immediately to the designated safeguarding lead.

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Designated Safeguarding Lead (Adults)
Name: Pastor Lydia Olayinka
Phone: 07532767525
Email: angieyemi.ao@gmail.com

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In their absence, contact:

• Pastor Stephen: 07403006581

• Sister Anne: 07932759467

If the concern involves the safeguarding lead or their deputy, contact thirtyone:eight at 0303 003 1111.

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6. Capacity and Consent

Adults have the right to make decisions about their own lives. WCC follows the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, including:

• Presuming capacity unless proven otherwise.

• Supporting individuals to make informed decisions.

• Recognising unwise decisions do not equal lack of capacity.

• Acting in the best interest of individuals lacking capacity.

Consent should always be sought before sharing personal information unless:

• There is immediate risk to the individual or others.

• A crime has been committed.

• The person lacks capacity to consent.

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7. Safer Recruitment & Supervision

All staff and volunteers working with adults at risk will:

• Be safely recruited (including DBS checks where applicable).

• Receive safeguarding training relevant to their role.

• Operate within WCC’s code of conduct.

• Be supervised and supported appropriately.

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8. Pastoral Care and Support

WCC is committed to offering pastoral care to:

• Adults at risk who are victims of abuse.

• Families and carers affected by safeguarding concerns.

• Those who may pose a risk to others, with clear boundaries and supervision (see Appendix: Contract for Offenders).

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9. Whistleblowing and Complaints

All members of the church are encouraged to raise safeguarding concerns without fear. Concerns should be reported directly to the safeguarding leads. If necessary, concerns can be escalated to external bodies such as:

• Adult Social Care (Local Authority)

• Police

• thirtyone:eight: 0303 003 1111

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10. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Pastors Executive Council and updated in line with changes to legislation or best practice guidance.

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11. Safeguarding Contacts

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (Adults): Pastor Lydia Olayinka – 07532767525

• Deputy: Pastor Stephen Olayinka – 07403006581

• Alternative Contact: Sister Anne – 07932759467

• thirtyone:eight: 0303 003 1111

• Adult Social Care (Luton): 01582 547659, 0300 300 8123 (outside office hours)

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Date Adopted: January 2025

Next Review Date: January 2026

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