Safeguarding Policy
(Date: September 2025)
Contents
1. Leadership Commitment to Safeguarding
2. Important Information
3. Introduction & Commitment
1. Introduction
2. Theology of Safeguarding
3. Our Commitment
4. Prevention & Recruitment
Safer Recruitment
5. Prevention
1. Safer recruitment for volunteers
2. Safeguarding training
6. Responding to Allegations of Abuse
1. Reporting Procedure
2. Contacting Authorities
7. Code of Conduct (Good Practice)
8. Record of Review
9. Legislation
10. Acknowledgement
As the Leadership of Victory Worship Centre Oxford, we recognise the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children, young people, and adults with support needs. We acknowledge that children, young people, and vulnerable adults can be the victims of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and neglect.
As a Leadership we have therefore adopted the procedures set out in this safeguarding policy in accordance with statutory guidance. We are committed to building constructive links with statutory and voluntary agencies involved in safeguarding.
The following document includes the procedures for the safety and protection of children, young people, adults at risk and the volunteers of Victory Worship Centre Oxford, its associated branch churches. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and it is vital that if you have any concerns or are unsure about any aspect of safeguarding that you speak to your team leader or to the Designated Person or their Deputies.
The Leadership undertakes to:
● Endorse and follow all national and local safeguarding legislation and procedures, in addition to the international conventions outlined above.
● Provide on-going safeguarding training for all its workers and no less than every three years will regularly review the operational guidelines attached.
● Support the Safeguarding Coordinator(s) in their work and in any action, they may need to take to protect children and adults with support needs.
● Undertakes an annual review of the policy and its implementation.
● Ensure that a copy of the policy is available upon request for quality assurance purposes.
● File a copy of any amendments subsequently published in the same manner.
● Not to allow the document to be copied by other organisations.
2. Important Information
This document outlines the procedures for the safety and protection of children, young people, adults at risk, and the staff and volunteers of Victory Worship Centre Oxford. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If you have any concerns, you must speak to your team leader or the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Overall Safeguarding Lead: Anu Priya Thankachan, anupriyathankachan14@gmail.com +44 7443 750715
- Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Biji Mathew, bijibinny09@gmail.com , 07553810578
3. Introduction & Commitment
1. Introduction
The leaders and trustees of Victory Worship Centre Oxford, recognise the importance of the church’s ministry for all those who access and participate in our activities. However, we also recognise the need for special consideration in the area of safety and protection in our work with children and adults at risk. These go further than just measures to protect them; Safeguarding policies fit within a wider context of promoting a safe church, and is born out of our understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and commitment to the teaching of Scripture.
2. Theology of Safeguarding
Victory Worship Centre Oxford recognises that every human being is created in the image of God and has inherent value and dignity. Following the example of Jesus, we are committed to giving status, time, respect, and protection to those who are most vulnerable. Safeguarding good practice concerns the development of safer expressions of care to all and underpins the love and welcome of God for all people.
3. Our Commitment
We aim to:
endorse and follow all national and local safeguarding legislation and procedures, in addition to the international conventions outlined above.
● provide on-going safeguarding training for all its workers and will regularly review the operational guidelines attached.
● ensure that the premises meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and all other relevant legislation, and that it is welcoming and inclusive.
● support the Safeguarding Coordinator(s) in their work and in any action they may need to take in order to protect children and adults with care and support needs.
4. Prevention & Recruitment
Safer Recruitment
To ensure the safety of our community, all volunteers must undergo a formal recruitment process, including:
- A written application and self-declaration form.
- A face-to-face interview where safeguarding is discussed.
- Written references that are followed up by leadership.
- An Enhanced DBS Disclosure with Barred List check for those in “Responsible Person” roles.
5. Prevention
1. Safer recruitment for volunteers
To help keep everyone safe, all volunteers will be carefully selected, trained, supported and supervised following government guidance.
This means you will be asked to:
• Read the job description/person specification for your volunteering role
• Complete an application form and a self-declaration form
• Attend an interview if shortlisted
• Talk about safeguarding during your interview
• Provide written references, which may be followed up
• Complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if required for your role
(We will follow the Code of Practice to treat all applicants fairly and handle your information responsibly.)
• Take part in any training provided for your role
• Complete a probationary period at the start of your volunteering
• Receive a copy of our safeguarding policy and know how to report any concerns.
2. Safeguarding training
Leadership is committed to ongoing safeguarding training for all workers, promoting awareness to protect everyone. All staff receive induction and regular recognised safeguarding training.
Basic safeguarding training will be arranged for staff and volunteers and renewed every three years. Advanced training for Safeguarding Leads will be renewed every two years, with extra training provided when needed.
Children and adults with care needs will have access to information on getting help with abuse, discrimination, bullying, or other concerns.
Responsible Persons joining a team must attend safeguarding training with a Designated Person or complete approved online courses.
6. Responding to Allegations
1. Reporting Procedure
If you have a concern, suspicion, or receive an allegation of abuse:
- Do Not carry out your own investigation.
- Report the concern immediately to the Safeguarding Lead.
- Record the details accurately on an Incident Form as soon as possible.
2. Contacting Authorities
The Safeguarding Lead will contact local Social Services or the Police if a child or adult is at immediate risk of harm. If the allegation involves the Safeguarding Lead, reports should be made directly to the Church Trustees.
7. Code of Conduct (Good Practice)
All workers are expected to act as role models and abide by the following:
- Dignity & Respect: Treat everyone with fairness and regard for their safety.
- Transparency: Work in an accountable and open manner.
- Touch & Prayer: Always obtain verbal consent before praying for or touching someone (e.g., a hand on the shoulder).
- Transport: There must always be two DBS-checked adults in a vehicle when transporting a young person.
8. Record of Review
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains up to date with the latest legislation (such as the Children Act 1989/2004 and the Care Act 2014).
9. Legislation
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect children and vulnerable groups, namely:
● Children Act 1989 & 2004
● United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1991
● The care Act 2014
● UK GDPR 2018
● Human Rights Act 1998
● Sexual Offences Act 2003
● Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
● Mental Capacity Act 2005
● Equality Act 2010
● Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
● Children and Families Act 2014
● Safeguarding Children and Young People; Charity Commission for England and Wales 2014
● Special educational needs and disability (SEND) code of practice: 0 to 25 years – Statutory guidance for organisations which work with and support children and young people who have special educational needs or disabilities: HM Government 2014
● Working together to safeguard children; a guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children: HM Government 2023.