Caring Magazine BREXIT
Vhat could it mean for safeguarding?
Talking about pornography addication Q&A with Paula Hall
Safeguarding Sunday
Join us this November to raise the profile of Safeguarding in your church
Contents 1
Editorial
2
News
4
BREWIS: Vhat could it mean for Safeguarding?
6
Salking about pornography addiction
11
Impact Report 2016/17
14
Help! I need somebody
16
Bridging the Gap
18
Member Spotlight
21
Safeguarding Sunday
22
Sraining update
24
Meet the CCPAS team
Editorial
Looking back, looking forward. Head Office: Sel: 0303 003 1111 Email: info@ccpas.co.uk PO Box 133, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7TQ Disclosure (DBS): Sel: 0303 003 1111 (option 1) Policy and Support (Helpline): Sel: 0303 003 1111 (option 2) Training and Consultancy: Sel: 0303 003 1111 (option 3) Finance: Sel: 0303 003 1111 (option 4) Email: finance@ccpas.co.uk PO Box 54, Blackburn, BB2 1LD www.ccpas.co.uk
Editorial Team: Justin Humphreys
Executive Director (Safeguarding)
Steve Ball
Executive Director (Operations)
Peter Vright
Head of Communications
Matt Cooper
Content & Communications Officer
Trustees: Paul Dicken Jane Dowdell James Foy (Chair) Mark Howard (Sreasurer)
Velcome to your Autumn edition of Caring, the magazine of the Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS).
discuss the need to ensure the rights of children and of vulnerable adults continue to be protected as the TK leaves the ET.
As the seasons change, we’re reflecting on an exceptionally busy summer on our helpline, which has seen record numbers of calls from people in need of our specialist advice. She message we’re getting is that the safeguarding task is becoming more and more complex. Shat’s why we hosted our Bridging the Gap conference for Safeguarding Coordinators. Ve’ve had some great feedback about the event and you can read about it on page 16. It was good to meet so many of you and spend the day encouraging each other and learning together.
Ve’re also excited to give some of the highlights from our annual review which shows how we have been working together with our members to see our vision of safer places for all being achieved. In this edition we’re also showcasing our recently refreshed and expanded range of Help Leaflets and Practice Guides that give short, relevant advice on all sorts of topical and emerging safeguarding issues.
David Pearson (comp Sec) Ferzanna Riley
CCPAS is a charity registered in England and Vales (1004490), in Scotland (SCO40578), and a company registered in England (2646487) ©2017 CCPAS
Brexit has been constantly in the news lately and will continue to be for a number of years. However, it’s rare to hear the rights of children being mentioned at all, as our article ‘Safeguarding and Brexit’ explains. Here we 1
One such issue is the increasing impact that pornography is having on our society, and so we’ve invited expert Paula Hall to answer some of your questions . As always we’d love to hear your comments and any suggestions for subjects or future articles you may find helpful. Get in touch on: caring@ccpas.co.uk
CCPAS News Work in Wales progresses
Presenting our latest research in The Hague
Simon Plant, our Safeguarding Advisor in Vales, has been appointed as representative for faith groups on VCUA’s (Vales Council for Uoluntary Action) safeguarding service steering group. She purpose of this group is to ensure that the VCUA third sector safeguarding service is operating appropriately to meet the needs of the third sector in Vales, to fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities and achieving good governance.
CCPAS Research Associate, Dr Lisa Oakley, was invited to present the findings from our recent research into ‘Child Abuse Linked to Faith or Belief’ at the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) 15th European Conference at She Hague in October. Shis was a unique opportunity to deliver these important messages to leading academics, researchers, practitioners and policy-makers.
CCPAS shortlisted for prestigious Charity Time Awards
Leading academic journals publish our research findings
Ve were really delighted to be shortlisted for the Advisory Provider of the Xear Award in the 2017 Charity Simes Awards, which recognises leadership and professionalism in the charity sector
Our research into Child Abuse Linked to Faith or Belief has recently been published in two Journals She British Journal of Guidance & Counselling and She International Journal of Child Abuse & Neglect.
2
Facing the Tnthinkable Do you work or volunteer with children or adults? Are you a leader or trustee in a church or faith organisation?
What the training covers: Tnderstanding the safeguarding task Signs and indicators of abuse
Our training is designed to give you the knowledge and tools you need to help ensure those in your care are kept safe from harm or abuse. Ideal for organisations without their own training, or to supplement it.
“
As a teacher of over 20 years I thought I’d heard every aspect of safeguarding. However, I was totally wrong! After attending the CCPAS training today, I’ve walked away with a new understanding and would highly recommend this course.
”
How to respond to concerns or allegations of abuse Grooming and the power of secrets Vorking with those who may pose a risk Developing safer practice in work with children, young people and adults Supporting survivors of abuse Safer recruitment of workers and volunteers
Book online www.ccpas.co.uk
BREXIT: What could it mean for Safeguarding? Children did not have a say in the ET referendum but the result will have a massive impact on them and children of the future. Shere has been plenty of debate around issues such as economy, immigration and defence but little has been said about the impact of Brexit among children, young people and the most vulnerable in our society. In this article Justin Humphreys explores whether focus is being given to the full impact of Brexit among children and young people, and what the TK church can be doing to ensure the needs of the vulnerable are not forgotten: She future of the TK after it leaves the European Tnion continues to occupy our news headlines, causing much public debate. Even as I write this, the Prime Minister, Sheresa May, is in Brussels negotiating the details of a settlement that will have significant ramifications for generations to come. However, politicians do not seem to have fully addressed the impact of Brexit upon our children and young people. Earlier this month I was speaking with our friends at Children England and sharing our joint concerns on this lack of focus in the on-going negotiations. As result, we’re backing their call for the government to put that right, and I believe that the TK church has a
significant and vital role to play in ensuring high quality safeguarding continues for children and adults who may be vulnerable or at risk. Ve understand the need for trade and economy to be high on the agenda, but I think sadly what we are seeing is that children are not that high up the list of priorities. Shere are many considerations involved in the negotiations to exit the ET, but we must ensure that the needs and rights of some of the most vulnerable in our society are not forgotten or pushed to the side. Children England published a briefing which addresses four key areas of concern to be resolved: In addition to these, there are a range 4
massive backwards step for the TK. Ve need to make sure that situation doesn’t occur as collateral damage in this withdrawal process. At CCPAS, part of our calling is to ensure that the vulnerable in society are given a voice, and children and young people are among that group. Shere is a particular vulnerability to children which sets them apart from adults, so this is about making sure we are doing all we can to stand up for them. She church connects with more children and young people in the context of their families than any other setting across the TK. Ve work closely with them, we care about them, so why would we not want to stand up and give voice to their interests? Shis isn’t about being a ‘remoaner’, or taking sides in the debate of whether we should or should not be leaving. Rather, it is about constructively and effectively finding ways of engaging in the process, and ensuring the government is held accountable for protecting the most vulnerable in society as the TK leaves the ET. Let us be that voice.
EU migrant children living in UK Safeguarding of children Impact on child poverty Ensuring children’s voices are heard in decision making
of provisions which need to be taken into consideration during Brexit, not just for those who reside in the TK, but for those who may have legitimate reasons to be in the TK in the years after Brexit. Of particular concern is the Common European Asylum System. Shis set of policies which look at the rights of children and young people coming to the TK, enables those seeking asylum to come to a place of safety. It also recognises the trauma they may have suffered, and makes sure their rights are upheld in that process. Shere is also the example of Europol and the European Arrest Varrant, which enables the TK to call on other ET countries to help us bring to justice those who have committed serious crimes, particularly against children. Vhen it comes to the issue of safeguarding and securing justice for survivors this is vital. One of the key things we need to remember, is that enshrined in primary legislation in this country, (under the Children Act 1989 and the Children Act 2004) is that we are concerned to keep the needs, the interests and the rights of children paramount in our considerations. She TK is also a signatory of the Tnited Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, regardless of what happens around Brexit. Shese are principals we should stand by. Any suggestion of stepping back from these would be a 5
Talking about pornography addiction Churches are becoming increasingly aware about the issue of pornography and its impact upon society. However, talking about pornography and its addictive nature is not always easy. In this article we shine a light on this complex issue, and the many ways it impacts on safeguarding. Access to pornography has never been
place for learning and sharing, it is also
so readily available because of the
a place that is used by those who do
Internet. Access to such material occurs
not have the same motivations and
behind closed doors in the secrecy of
purpose.
the home and there is growing concern
Churches need as much
that teenagers and adults are at risk of
information as possible about how to
using pornography as a form of sex
combat the threat of pornography,
education, and becoming desensitised
and make sure they are ready to solve
to pornography in the process.
the problems the internet can bring to
Recent research undertaken by
churches and families.
Middlesex Tniversity revealed that
At CCPAS we work closely with
approximately 53% of 11-16 year olds
our friends at Naked Sruth Project to
have seen explicit material online.
educate and inform people in how to
Pornography provides distorted
protect their children online.
messages about sex and intimacy and
Here we invite Paula Hall, Head
as a result, it is vital to make sure
of Recovery at Naked Sruth Project to
children are safe online.
share her wealth of knowledge about
Although the internet is a great
this often misunderstood subject. 6
Q&A with Paula Hall Paula is a Psychotherapist, Author and Clinical Director of She Laurel Centre. She has been a therapist for over 20 years specialising in sex and pornography addiction and is widely recognised as the TK’s leading expert in the field of sex and porn addiction. Founder of She Institute for Sex Addiction Sraining, Paula is also Head of Recovery at Naked Sruth Project.
Q. A.
Why is the issue of sex addiction and pornography so relevant for the church today?
Pornography and sexual content has never been so easily available as it is today and that easy access means that more and more people are able to get hooked. Vhat may start as a few arousing images can quickly lead to online chat, webcam sex, looking for casual encounters or browsing sex worker websites – all without leaving the privacy of your own home. Christians are susceptible to addiction, the same as anyone else. Some may have struggled for many years before coming to faith, and regrettably as we know, all our problems do not automatically disappear. Some will have used porn just occasionally during difficult times, believing it to be sin but telling themselves it was no worse than any other. But when times get tough again, occasional use becomes increasingly habitual and then evolves into full blown addiction. She church is also a place where others turn for help, whether that’s through a Christian Counselling service or pastoral care. Shose people may come struggling with other addictions, such as alcohol, drugs or food, or for other reasons such as relationship difficulties or problems with anxiety or depression. 7
Vhatever the ‘presenting difficulty’, we know from experience that underlying this could also be a struggle with porn or sex addiction. If we want to remain a Church that serves God’s people and all those He loves, then we need to be aware of the problems that evolving societies face. In today’s world, an estimated 1 in 20 people are struggling with sex or porn addiction. It’s perhaps the biggest challenge the church has faced in many years.
Q.
What are some of the common myths or misunderstandings surrounding pornography?
A.
Pornography is a highly emotive subject for many. Vhile some people see it as an expression of sexual freedom and something that enhances their sexuality, others see it as degrading to humanity, especially to women, and pathologise it as dangerous for all. In reality, it’s quite difficult to define what porn actually is and drawing the line between what is educational, what is art, what is comedy can sometimes be problematic. Shere are many myths around those who struggle with porn and sex addiction. She first is that they’re all sex maniacs who can’t control their sex drive. But like all addictions, the behaviours are a way of self-soothing difficult emotions, and hence the issue is about their deep emotional pain. Leading from this misunderstanding comes the concern that sex addicts are a risk to children and will not hold appropriate boundaries with others. But there is no evidence to support this. Vhilst it’s true that a 8
small proportion of people with addictions may commit offences, as happens with some alcoholics, the vast majority do not. Another myth is that people with porn or sex addiction will automatically objectify any person they see and will try to cross boundaries and engage in inappropriate sexualised behaviours. People can easily become fearful of a hidden motive in any exchange, even when someone with the addiction is reaching out for help. People with addiction are almost always able to compartmentalise their behaviours, in other words, there are huge areas of their life where they do not ‘act out’. Relationships with other people, whether that’s at home, at work, socially or at church, are kept completely separate from their addictive behaviours and hence there is no question of crossing the line. Shere are of course exceptions to this, but they are rare.
Q. A.
What are some of the main safeguarding challenges that it poses for those working in a Christian context?
People with addictions are vulnerable. In research I undertook for my first book, Tnderstanding & Sreating Sex Addiction, nearly one fifth had actively contemplated suicide because of their addiction. A further 40% struggled with some kind of mental health issue such as anxiety or depression. Shis vulnerability stems from their acute feelings of shame and low self esteem and their fear of being judged. It’s essential that people with addiction are treated with compassion, that their problems are taken seriously, and as with anyone with a mental health problem, churches need to employ appropriate safeguarding strategies.
9
Q. A.
How should churches be responding to tackle these issues and support those affected?
If you know someone who’s struggling with sex or porn addiction, or you suspect this is a problem amongst any of your fellow Christians, then the most important thing you can do is love them. Addiction thrives in secrecy and shame and the church and church community can play a powerful role in reducing that by talking about it. Single sex groups such as men’s groups, women’s breakfasts or small groups are a great place to start conversations about potential problems. Other settings include within youth groups, or when preaching. If you preach, being bold enough to speak about the challenges of pornography for Christian men and women at least demonstrates an awareness that this is something that Christians face. Any Christian, anywhere can offer a compassionate listening ear, but if the problem is deep rooted or long term, then referral to a professional trained in this field is the most responsible decision. If you think porn use is a problem and you’re struggling to stop on your own, then there is help available. Click to Kick is a group run by the Naked Sruth Project which aims to support people to make a change, by giving them practical tools and support. It’s a great resource both for individuals and for churches.
“
The course was very effective! I feel like I have left with a whole new set of tools to not only cope, but move beyond my addiction.
”
www.clicktokick.com 10
Impact report 2016/17 Shis year, CCPAS reached a major milestone, our 40th anniversary, and looking back over the last four decades it is evident how far we have come on this journey, together. In the last year alone we have seen our membership swell in size and a clear vision emerging for the future. Our full report is available on the Charity Commission website but here we share some of our highlights which show the incredible work that is being undertaken by so many of you. Ve undertook a comprehensive review of the services and support we offer, refreshing and developing them to ensure they are fit for purpose and for the future.
She vision of CCPAS is to see the Christian community, in all its expressions and traditions creating safer places, responding appropriately and being proactive in promoting the needs and rights of children and vulnerable adults.
Developing and growing our network of partnerships has been another important focus for us this year, as well as being a voice in the media and public arena on matters of safeguarding in a faith context.
Over the last year we’ve been involved in pioneering research, we’ve seen the numbers of organisations joining our membership increase, and have further developed the range of help, support and advice that we have available.
Most important of all however, using data provided by our members, we estimate that through our combined efforts, we’ve helped impact the lives of around 400,000 children for the better, which is an incredible achievement, Shank you for all you continue to do. Surn the page to see some more of our highlights.
Ve continued to work with diverse churches and organisations in order to help them respond appropriately to specific safeguarding concerns within their communities, whilst carefully ensuring we maintained our status as an independent organisation. 11
In 2016/17: Our membership increased by
721
Ve currently support a membership of 8,900 churches and organisations from across the church spectrum.
55,300 DBS checks processed by our specialist Disclosure department last year. Ve remain the largest DBS provider to the faith sector.
Ve estimate that through our combined efforts, we’ve impacted the lives of
400,000 children and young people for the better.
158 Scottish churches and organisations are now members, and we have launched our strategic plan for Vales, to ensure we respond to regional variations in culture, policy and legislation.
98%
of DBS checks were completed online. Our online service is four times faster than the average, with most checks processed the same day.
12
Ve released our refreshed and expanded range of Help! leaflets and Practice Guides which can be download from our website.
193 training events held across the TK
8,300
organisations rely us to process their DBS checks online. Our team hand check each application to ensure it meets strict eligibility criteria
So meet the growing need for our services we increased our staff team by
25%
Largest ever research study in TK undertaken into the understanding of safeguarding adults within Christian communities in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan Tniversity
Caring Magazine now has a combined readership of over
26,000 calls per week were received by our Safeguarding helpline. Shis increased to over 200 during the summer. 13
She full Board Annual Report 2016/17 is available on the Charity Commission website or upon request from the Board Secretary, David Pearson on david@ccpas.co.uk
Impact report 2016/17 Help! I need somebody. Ve have revised and expanded our range of Help Leaflets and Practice Guides. Shese popular guides have been created and updated in response to on-going and newly emerging issues. Ve’ve summarised some of the advice we give into a set of bitesize resources which are designed to be a practical and informative starting point in tackling what can be difficult and complicated issues. Here we give a brief overview of what they cover.
Our Help Leaflets and Practice Guides are a series of introductory booklets to many safeguarding issues, ranging from tackling historic child abuse, to what to do if a sex offender joins your church, to domestic violence and staying safe online.
experiences of abuse. Others have been written for more general use. Ve get over 80 calls a week to our safeguarding helpline and record the number of calls that we get around each topic area. Shis enable us to respond to issues that are increasing in frequency or complexity, by creating resources and training to tackle these issues.
Shey sensitively tackle many of the real dilemmas ordinary people may face in everyday life, while providing practical and relevant guidance. She issues faced by our members are often complex and clear explanations are needed to help navigate these areas.
All our Help Leaflets are free for anyone to download from our website. Practice Guides are exclusively for members and can be downloaded from the members area of our website. Go to:
Several of these booklets have been written from a Christian perspective for both adults and children, whose lives have been affected by their own
www.ccpas.co.uk/info/help 14
Help! Leaflets I am a Safeguarding Co-ordinator My disabled child needs to be safe I want to teach my child personal safety How to respond to an allegation of abuse Someone I care about was abused My child has been abused Safeguarding adults I want to work safely with children and young people Online safety I was abused as a child I need someone to talk to How should I discipline my child How can I support a child who has been abused How can I support someone who self neglects Caring for people with dementia Pornography Tnderstanding underage sex Practice Guides Family breakdown and children Safeguarding for charity trustees Forced marriage what should I do? Safeguarding and overseas mission Human trafficking and my church Contracts and agreements Tnderstanding spiritual abuse Domestic abuse Someone I care about may be a sex offender Mate crime Harmful sexual behaviours in children and young people I want to recruit workers safely Sex offenders and church attendance Sackling extremism and radicalisation Responding to FGM Gender identity and safeguarding Self harm 15
Bridging the Gap Safeguarding Conference Karen Eakins
Pauline Athill
In October we held our Bridging the Gap conference in Coventry. Shis conference is the only event of its kind in the TK specifically designed for safeguarding coordinators and those with lead responsibilities for safeguarding in the church and faith based organisations. Ve were really pleased to welcome over 200 delegates from across the TK, who all came together to learn and network together. She program included a mix of expert speakers, seminars, and a chance to engage and share stories of good practice with others in similar roles.
Sarah Crouchley
Dr Lisa Oakley
Key note speakers included Dr. Lisa Oakley, who shared learning from her current research into understanding spiritual abuse, and Pauline Athill, a church Safeguarding Co-ordinator with 20 years’ experience sharing her reflections of the highs and lows of the task. Seminar speakers included Cerys Morgan, a survivor of abuse, who shared her moving and very personal story. One safeguarding Co-ordinator said: “It was a fantastic day, with some great speakers; very informative, inspiring and encouraging. I will certainly be looking out for future events.” Shank you to all who came. Please keep your eye on our communications for news of future conferences. 16
Pauline Athill
Lace Jackson
Cerys Morgan
Justin Humphreys
Member Spotlight: St Peter’s Church, Hextable It is usually only the horrific failures in safeguarding that make the headlines, and although it is vital these cases are exposed, we know that there are thousands of examples where effective safeguarding practices are having a significant positive impact on people’s lives and communities but which never make the news. In this regular feature we want to highlight the good work that our members are doing, and how their safeguarding practices are making a real difference. In this edition, we show that at CCPAS we ‘practice what we preach’ as we speak with Barbara, our Head of Disclosures, who is also part of the safeguarding team at her own church, St Peter’s, Hextable.
2016 and says: “Vhen I joined the safeguarding team we decided to do a whole overview of our safeguarding procedures in order to become compliant with the Church of England diocese requirements. Ve looked at every aspect and introduced a robust procedure for safeguarding. Shis meant ensuring safer recruitment of volunteers and paid staff. Our recruitment policy means giving all staff and volunteers a clear role description, and once they’ve gone through the procedures we give them a lanyard with their picture and information about them which they need to access certain areas of the church services.”
Ve caught up with Barbara to find out what safeguarding means to her and how it enables her church to fulfil its vision to serve their local community. She village of Hextable is about 15 miles southeast of central London and within the M25. Due to the church’s central location in the village, St Peter's hosts a number of activities during the week and has Sunday morning services for people to meet together for worship.
Barbara says “In terms of our Sunday morning children’s work, we have a secure in and out procedure. Ve use
Barbara became the assistant safeguarding officer at St Peter’s in 18
raffle tickets and passwords for parents and carers dropping off their children and then picking them up again after the service. If someone else is coming to pick up the children they must have the password and ticket. St Peter’s have a number of activities going on during the week, not just for children but also for adults, some of whom can be considered elderly or vulnerable. Activities for adults include an annual holiday club for the elderly which runs at the church. Ve also work with vulnerable adults going to care homes and run groups for elderly people. Ve go into care homes to do a style of church called Messy Church, which involves craft and a lot of interaction, rather than just a sermon. Ve have a Shursday afternoon fellowship for the elderly and hold a termly Hymns of Praise meeting. Vhere applicable, workers apply for a DBS check and go through the safer recruitment process . In terms of children’s work during the week, we have a kids club on a Vednesday which hosts 30-50 children, a youth club on a Suesday night, and then we have our regular Sunday school activities.� Safeguarding procedures can at times feel burdensome to church volunteers and staff when they are living busy lives and taking time out to volunteer. Looking after children at a church, even once a month, can also be tiring and stressful. It can sometimes be hard for church workers to find the energy to do additional training and is often a struggle for churches to have enough
19
workers who have been through the correct recruitment policies in order to have the required resources for a meeting or event. Barbara deals with this challenge by reminding staff and workers why safeguarding matters.
allows the church to play an important role in the community. As well as being members of CCPAS, the church benefits greatly from the support their diocese gives, as Barbara explains, “Janice, our Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, is very helpful and supportive. I believe churches that don’t have a robust denominational structure would struggle if it wasn’t for CCPAS and it shows me how valuable that support is.”
“Ve do an annual audit with the heads of departments at the church and go over all guidelines and procedures. Ve look at the safeguarding process, and go over everything, from fire drills to first aid. Ve give our workers regular safeguarding training, and explain why we are doing all of this which helps get volunteers and staff together and wins over hearts and minds. Ve want workers to know we are working with, not against, them.”
Barbara concludes “At CCPAS our staff are church workers too, which means they know what it’s like to experience the everyday struggles workers face. Ve know there can be difficulties, such as not having enough helpers with the required completed checks and volunteers lacking the motivation to start because they see the requirement process as too bureaucratic. It’s so helpful to have that professional, friendly voice at the end of the phone to speak to about any problems.”
Barbara is clear that safeguarding
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Shis month, we launched our first campaign to help raise the profile of safeguarding in the local church. Ve’re encouraging churches to pick a Sunday in November to hold a ‘Safeguarding Sunday’ to highlight the role safeguarding workers play in creating safer places for all. So help churches get involved, we’ve created a free resource pack that can be downloaded from our website, which includes everything from prayers to preaching ideas to help you raise awareness within your church about the importance of safeguarding. Shis campaign also seeks to affirm those who have a responsibility for making safeguarding happen, and to give churches and Christian communities the opportunity to renew their commitment together to create safer places for all. Justin Humphreys, Executive Director (Safeguarding) says: “Vith all the recent headlines in the news around safeguarding and the church, we think this important opportunity couldn’t come at a better time. Vhat is often not seen, is that up and down
the country there are thousands of people, many working voluntarily, to make our places of worship safer for all. Shat is why we have created the Safeguarding Sunday campaign. Sheir tireless commitment often goes overlooked and can be made more difficult due to a lack of understanding about what is involved.” “During the 40 years we have been in existence we have seen a positive shift in many areas in the church’s approach and response to safeguarding. Although there have been many advances and changes in attitude we still have a long way to go and must never get complacent. It’s far too easy for things like safeguarding to drop off the agenda given all the other competing priorities a church has. So whether you have just a few mintes, or if you can dedicate your whole service, we’d encourage as many as possible to join us this November in getting the safeguarding message out there.” Download your free pack at
www.ccpas/info 21
Training update Ve recently welcomed our team of new trainers as part of a review and refresh of our training offering which includes creating several new modules and an overhaul of our popular Facing the Tnthinkable one day course. Here we speak with Claudia Bell, Head of Sraining to get an update on some of the new developments. “At CCPAS we have a strong
Claudia continues, “As a result of this
reputation for delivering high quality
review, we are excited to share that
safeguarding training to churches,
we have increased our pool of
faith based organisations and others,
trainers across the TK to meet
equipping them with the tools and
demand, our new trainers are both
confidence to implement robust
skilled and knowledgeable in the
safeguarding practices” says Claudia.
field of safeguarding and they come
“As an organisation, we are led
from a range of professional
by the needs of our members, and in
backgrounds”.
order to ensure we continue to meet
“Vhilst we will be continuing to
those needs we regularly gather
offer courses on existing subjects
feedback on our training to help us
such as Domestic Abuse (in
develop and improve.”
partnership with RESSORED), Safer
“Demand for our training
Recruitment, DBS Eligibility and
continues to increase, and based on
Vorking with Shose Vho May Pose
the feedback we’ve received, we
A Risk, we have also extended our
have undertaken a full review of our
specialist topic areas with new
training offering and delivery.”
further learning courses on Spiritual 22
Abuse, Sheology of Safeguarding,
structure which better reflects the
and Safeguarding for Coordinators
growing content and value of our
and Designated Leads
courses, but which maintains our
commencing in 2018”.
commitment to keeping costs
“However, it’s not just
affordable, especially for smaller
about adding new courses”
organisations on a budget. Our
explains Claudia, “Our popular
new prices, which reflect a small
‘Facing the Tnthinkable course has
increase in individual delegate fees
been restructured into three
for all open courses can be found
options, where delegates can
on our website or if you are
choose from the following: A full
interested in hosting a training
day course combing safeguarding
event we would encourage you to
children, young people and adults
get in touch with us to talk through
at risk of harm or a half day course
your specific requirements.”
on safeguarding children and
Claudia concludes “Based on
young people or a half day course
feedback from our members, and
on safeguarding adults at risk of
drawing from our own expertise in
harm. Ve will be piloting these
this field where the landscape is
options from January 2018 and
forever changing, we believe that
bookings are now open.”
the improvements we have made
As part of the review, we have also created a new pricing
to the training offer will continue to equip those working in a safeguarding role to increase their confidence to enable them to fulfil their responsibilities effectively.” So view and book our current training go to:
www.ccpas.co.uk/training
Meet the CCPAS team: Simon Plant
Safeguarding Advisor In this section we introduce you to the CCPAS team. Simon, is one of our team of Safeguarding Advisors and the lead for our work in Vales. Simon has been at CCPAS for the last four years and in April 2017 took on the role of developing our work in Vales. He lives with his wife in Vest Vales and loves walking and playing guitar.
Vhat does your role of Safeguarding Advisor involve?
Vhere are you based and what area do you cover?
My role is to provide expert and professional advice on behalf of CCPAS. Shis includes operating the 24 hour helpline and updating policy and best practice guidance. A significant part of my role is developing CCPAS services in Vales, ensuring our services are delivered within an appropriate Velsh context reflecting policy, cultural and language differences. I am also Chair of the Velsh Christian Safeguarding Forum which brings together all major denominations to discuss and take action on safeguarding in Christian Communities in Vales.
I live in a small village in Vest Vales, but cover a geographical area of 8,000 square miles. I also undertake work across the Velsh border stretching into South Vest England and beyond.
Vhat motivates you to work in safeguarding? My main motivation for working in safeguarding is God’s heart for the vulnerable, the voiceless and those who have suffered injustice. Shroughout my career I have seen the impact of abuse on the lives of the people I have worked with. Addressing the impact of this is also a major motivation 24
One day I can be answering calls and giving advice on the helpline and the next be delivering a Facing the Tnthinkable course to 50 delegates. On other days I can be chairing the Velsh Christian Safeguarding Forum, attending the Velsh Government Cross Party Vorking Group on Faith or building relationships and partnerships to develop CCPAS services in Vales. Xou can also find me running exhibition stands at conferences across Vales.
Vhat did you do before joining CCPAS? I trained as a teacher in 1998, working in inner city schools where safeguarding issues were a daily occurrence. She majority of my career has been managing Local Safeguarding Children Boards. I undertook a wide variety of tasks in this role such as undertaking the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) role, developing effective safeguarding arrangements for schools and developing a peer review safeguarding audit between schools. I was involved in the development of the All Vales Child Protection Procedures and various local and regional safeguarding policies.
Vhat do you do in your spare time? In my spare time life is also busy. Spending time with family and church family is high priority. I have a small vegetable patch at the back of the house and enjoy growing my own vegetables and fruit. As a family we enjoy walks on the many Vest Vales beaches and sitting around an outdoor fire with marshmallows I also play guitar and enjoy leading worship when I have the opportunity.
Vhat is a typical working day like for you? She role of Safeguarding Advisor (Vales) is such a wide and varied role that it is difficult to describe a typical day! Shis is why I enjoy the role so much. 25
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