Caring Magazine
Summer 2018
Camps and residentials Managing the risks and what you need to know
Michele Hawthorne
Turning off the silence on violence against women
Getting back to basics We launch our new basic disclosure service
Contents 1
Editorial
2
News
4
Camps and residentials: managing the risks
8
Working in consultation: developing a strategy for BMC communities
12
Getting back to basics: launching our new Basic Disclosure Service ;
15
Safeguarding: a global perspective ;
19
Interview with Michele Hawthorne: turning the silence off
24
Meet the CCPAS team: Helen Gilbert
Cover photo credit Halfpoint
Editorial
Equip, empower and encourage.
T: 0303 003 1111 E: info@ccpas.co.uk PO Box 133, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7UQ Disclosure (DBS): T: 0303 003 1111 (option 1) Helpline: T: 0303 003 1111 (option 2) Training and Consultancy: T: 0303 003 1111 (option 3) Finance: T: 0303 003 1111 (option 4) E: finance@ccpas.co.uk PO Box 54, Blackburn, BB2 1LD Membership: T: 0303 003 1111 (option 5)
Editorial Team: Justin Humphreys
Chief Executive (Safeguarding)
Steve Ball
Chief Executive (Operations)
Peter Wright
Head of Communications
Matt Cooper
Content & Communications Officer
Trustees: Jane Dowdell James Foy (Chair) David Pearson (Comp Sec) Andrew Pierce Ferzanna Riley Bridget Robb
CCPAS is a charity registered in England and Wales (1004490), in Scotland (SCO40578), and a company registered in England (2646487) ©2018 CCPAS
www.ccpas.co.uk
Welcome to your Summer edition of Caring, the magazine of the Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS). We’ve already had a really busy year so far, and have got lots of exciting things planned for the months ahead including an important announcement about our future, so keep an eye out for a communication from us very soon. The summer is often a time when churches and youth groups take their young people away on camps, festivals, and residential trips. Attending a holiday camp can be a wonderful time for young people and their leaders, however they can also present some particular challenges. Being away from home can often prompt disclosures to be made so being prepared for this is a crucial part of your planning. We’ve created a new resource full of useful 1
tips and advice which has already proved really popular with our members (p4). Also in this edition we shine a light on some of the work we have been doing in consultation with Black and Multicultural Churches (p8), plus we’re excited to be launching our new Basic Disclosure service which now allows for a level of check to be made for roles which don’t fulfil the eligibility criteria for an enhanced check (p12). This September we’re partnering with Press Red at their annual conference focusing on issues of abuse and violence against women. We caught up with their founder, Michele Hawthorne, on how churches can respond to the issues (p19). As always we’d love to hear your what you think: caring@ccpas.co.uk
CCPAS News CCPAS launches new online Basic Disclosure check service
BMC consultation event held We held our first consultation event specifically for Black and Multicultural Churches in the UK. This event allowed us to hear from church leaders about some of the specific concerns they have and how we might better work together to address them. Read more on page 8
In June we launched our brand new online Basic Disclosure check service. Existing e-bulk customers can now get access to this service for roles that are not currently eligible for an enhanced level DBS check. Read more on page 12
Online safeguarding manual now four nations friendly
National LADO conference We were privileged to be able to share at the national Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) Conference in Doncaster about our recent research into spiritual abuse.
Greater political devolution across the UK has resulted in significant differences in safeguarding law and practice. We’ve recently updated and revised our online manual to reflect this. www.ccpas.co.uk 2
Let us introduce you to two of our new Trustees:
Bridget Robb:
Bridget is a registered social worker, and was a Social Work Manager in Oxfordshire Local Authority. Until 2016 she was CEO of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), and General Secretary of the Social Workers Union. Bridget is a church warden and safeguarding officer in her local church and on the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Committee.
Andrew Pierce:
Andrew was with the Devon & Cornwall Police for nearly 32 years, latterly as a Detective Superintendent leading on child protection and the police involvement in the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). Andrew has acted as Independent Chair of a number of Serious Case Reviews and has been involved in church leadership most of his life.
Come and experience the Christian Resources Exhibition 2018 on us! Save the date 16-18 October and join us at Sandown Park, Esher. We're excited to be able to offer complimentary entry (standard on the door ticket price ÂŁ8) so pop along and say hello to us on stand S49 .
Book here
Camps and residentials:
managing the risks
Last summer, our helpline saw a significant increase in the number of calls of up to three times our usual volume due to camps and residentials. We also saw an increase in calls about self-harm, and threats of suicide. We’ve developed a brand new resource to help organisations plan for an event of this type and think through some of the situations that may arise. Attending a holiday camp over the summer can be a wonderful time for young people and their leaders. Many spend a week or so
planning for some of the situations and risks can help ensure everyone involved can make the most of the
building friendships and learning about the Christian faith in a relaxed and supportive environment. However, these events can present a range of safeguarding challenges that need to be carefully thought through. Spending time before the event
opportunities these events create.
Planning As with all activity that happens away from your main site, special care must be taken to ensure you have sufficient resources and preparation in place. 4
When doing something different, such as going away with a group,
TALK
it is important to remember that the arrangements need to be fit for this purpose.
to parents about how issues are dealt with at home
AGREE a plan and put it in writing to the parents
Our helpline received several calls before residential activities took place regarding challenges that
SHARE the plan with key leaders
emerged when gathering information about a trip. Some challenges were: how to support a child who regularly wets the bed; how to support a young person with additional needs; how to support a child or young person who identifies with the opposite
The young person should always be seen as a person entitled to love and care, rather than a ‘problem’ to solve. Ensure nothing is done to exclude them without first fully considering how they may be enabled to be
gender. These three examples are very different, however a common approach would be suggested for all.
involved. If you decide it will be too difficult, explain to the young person and their parents the
5
specific reasons why. Also ensure to place a young person in an age group related to their chronological age, rather than developmental age.
Responding to concerns Even after the most detailed planning, unexpected concerns may arise during a trip. The Safeguarding Co-ordinator must be informed as soon as possible so appropriate action can be taken. All workers should know how to contact the Safeguarding Co-ordinator before the event.
Concerns about workers If there is an allegation of harm perpetrated by a leader (a person in a position of trust), our advice is likely to be that the leader is stood down or sent home pending further enquiries. Whilst that may seem drastic, if the good practice guidelines
Whatever the concern, if you are advised that Children’s Services need to be contacted, initial contact should be made to the authority in the area of the camp or residential. However, you will also need information about the relevant authority in the home area where the child normally resides. In some situations it is advisable to contact the authorities before alerting
regarding two adults always being together with groups of under 18’s has been breached, then this is serious, and the leader might be unable to verify that the allegation is unfounded.
parents. Collating this information before the event could save you time later. 6
without someone’s knowledge, and only putting pictures on
Phones Plan whether phones are to be permitted, along with guidelines about taking photos and videos. Many groups allow mobile phones for certain periods of time, but agree they should be stored by leaders at all other times. This enables the young people to
social media with consent.
Sleeping arrangements We are often asked about the sleeping arrangements for older teens where some of the group are 18 and some slightly younger and where none of them have
remain in contact with home but protects the group from young people using the phone when they should be asleep. Most attendees at the camp will want to take photos and videos so agreements need to be made about not taking images of members of the group
leadership responsibilities. Our advice is that when there will be a mix of 16-18-year olds, parents need to be informed in advance of this. Reassure them that the 18-year olds are not acting in a leadership capacity and will be under the same ‘rules’ as the rest of the group.
when unclothed, not taking photos
Our new resource ‘Guidance for Camps and Residentials’ is free to download from our website using the link below. If you want advice or guidance about a specific situation you can always ring our helpline. We’re available out of hours for when emergency situations arise so remember to take our number with you and distribute it to your team: 0303 003 11 11 www.ccpas.co.uk/info
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Working in consultation In March, we were delighted to welcome church leaders from across the UK to our first ever Black and Multicultural Churches (BMC) consultation event to help develop safeguarding strategy and support. This special event saw CCPAS and church leaders working together on plans to support and develop safeguarding structures in their church communities. Awareness of safeguarding often comes as a result responding to a specific situation or risk. Evidence has shown that many churches are very isolated when dealing with these concerns.
Time was also spent looking at factors that exist from the mainstream expressions of faith and how to generate more appropriate responses to minimise discrimination and oppressive practice.
The consultation looked at ways of developing communications between CCPAS and BMC
Bishop Joe Aldred, who is responsible for Pentecostal and
communities to keep them informed of the latest updates and
Multicultural relations at Churches Together in England said: “The
changes in safeguarding.
responsibility for creating and 8
maintaining safer spaces for everyone, especially vulnerable children and adults, is a sacred one in every local church.”
diverse communities and require special support in dealing with issues relating to safeguarding. A significant proportion of my
“The responsibility for creating and maintaining safer spaces for everyone, especially vulnerable children and adults, is a sacred one in every local church”
work concerns diverse faith communities in the UK and
developing a strategy to ensure these churches have the appropriate support to develop effective safeguarding structures and responses to risk within their environment.
- Bishop Joe Aldred “It is by ongoing training and
It is so important that we work
vigilance that this can be achieved. I was thrilled therefore to attend and support the recent day conference convened by CCPAS for church representatives.
closely with faith groups and statutory agencies to get the
This is a partnership that portends good outcomes as together we commit to care for all who are involved in the lives of churches in this country and beyond.” Annette Williams, Safeguarding Advisor at CCPAS who led the event, said: “We are aware there are many churches who work in 9
balance right and ensure that those that need protection receive a compassionate and robust response to any concerns.”
If you would like further information about our work specifically with Black and Multicultural Churches, or would like to get involved in helping us shape our strategy and develop our support we’d love to hear from you.
Justin Humphreys, Chief Executive (Safeguarding) said “We were really pleased to welcome so
You can drop us a line using the email below or give us a call:
many church leaders to our BMC consultation event and I am excited about future developments as we look to support them in their commitment to best practice in safeguarding.”
Email us at info@ccpas.co.uk To speak to someone call 0303 003 1111 (option 5).
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* submitted within 3 months of the workshop
Policy writing workshop Many find the process of writing or updating a safeguarding policy daunting. It doesn’t have to be!
This practical one day workshop (exclusive to members), will provide you with all the tools and information you need to write a successful policy.
What the workshop covers: • What to include in a policy
• How to structure the
information
• Ideas on how to launch and
communicate your policy
Date: Wednesday 26 September Venue: CCPAS Swanley, Kent Price: £120 (for up to two people) “This was a very helpful day because it was so practical. Lots of support and advice offered.”
“Extremely valuable to learn from a subject expert and discuss in detail the writing of a safeguarding policy.”
Book here “The resources are excellent and so helpful and valuable. I feel so much more able to write up this policy!
Getting back to basics: Launching our new Basic Disclosure service This Summer we launched our brand new online Basic Disclosure check service. This service means that members are now able to process a basic check for any worker that is not eligible for a regular DBS check. We caught up with Jill Raggett, Senior Account Manager, to tell us more. In 2004, Lord Bichard conducted an Independent Inquiry following
be stopped. Our task is to make it as difficult as possible for them to
the conviction of Ian Huntley for the murders of Jessica Chapman
succeed”. This statement is as true now as it was fourteen years
and Holly Wells. In that report Lord Bichard said “For those agencies whose job it is to protect children and vulnerable people, the harsh reality is that if a sufficiently devious person is determined to seek out opportunities to work their evil, no one can guarantee that they will
ago. But some things are very different. The Bichard report led to the instigation of CRB checks (now DBS) – which today form a vital part of the safer recruitment process, providing employers with valuable caution, conviction 12
and relevant soft police information, enabling employers to make robust employment decisions and prevent unsuitable
check and the employer would like to be sure that there isn’t any conviction history that could impact on the role? Well that’s
people from working with vulnerable groups, including
where Basic Disclosure checks come in.
children. Newly launched by the
“If a sufficiently devious person is determined to seek out opportunities to work their evil our task is to make it as difficult as possible for them to succeed”. But such information is not handed out lightly. Those of our members who use us for processing their checks, will already know that strict eligibility rules apply based on things such as frequency of contact, level of contact, tasks
government earlier this year, Basic Disclosure checks now allow a search of the Police National Computer (PNC) to be made for roles that do not meet the criteria for an enhanced check, and contain details of convictions and conditional cautions that are considered to be unspent under the terms of
carried out, etc. But what about roles that fall outside of this criteria, that require a certain level of trust by the organisation, or where a role doesn't qualify for a check but the worker is willing to undergo a 13
Jill Raggett
placed in these individuals.
the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
We’re really pleased to now be able to offer these checks via our
This now means for roles such as worship leaders, those offering transport to/from events, Treasurers, Caretakers, Administrators, Welcome Team, Stewards, Preachers etc, a level of check can now be done, as long as the applicant lives or works in the UK and the role isn’t eligible for an enhanced check.
online E-Bulk system, and are sure that this new service will be a welcome addition to your safeguarding armoury.
As always our experienced team are on hand, at the end of the phone to answer any questions and our popular training session on eligibility is also a good place to start that for those wanting to be sure they are putting through checks at the right level.
Such roles often do not qualify for an Enhanced DBS check but require and inspire a certain level of trust. We need to be as sure as we can be that our trust is well
Call us 0303 003 11 11 (option 1)
Registering for Basic Disclosures is really easy but you’ll need to be an existing user of our online DBS E-bulk system. Ask the Lead Recruiter for your organisation to email us on disclosures@ccpas.co.uk giving the following information: • Your organisation reference number • Confirmation that you'd like to
proceed with Basic Disclosures • Your agreement to continue to abide
by all current DBS and data protection requirements/legislation We'll do the rest. It's as simple as that. 14
Safeguarding: A global perspective
“There is nothing like Africa to take you through such a full range of emotions.� says Karen Eakins, Head of Consultancy, who recently visited a number of international charity projects in Uganda and Madagascar. Here Karen shares some of her experiences and the very personal challenge of safeguarding in a global context. In April I had the opportunity to deliver child protection training at the Compassion Discovery Centre in Jinja, Uganda, and a YWAM project in Madagascar. Never have I met such warm, welcoming people with such big hearts and a thankful attitude. I was challenged to the core.
adaptations. Having researched the legislation and guidance for Uganda, it was evident that laws were in place however, what was apparent was the challenge for those living these out in everyday life.
person". However, the reality of delivering child protection
It caused me to question my own values and levels of expected practice. For example what
training in Africa demanded many
constitutes
The aim of the projects is to see the release of potential and the development of the "whole
15
Karen Eakins
neglect in a country where children’s clothes are often dirty or oversized, or where food can be such a struggle to come by? I
constructs to support this are often absent.
“I was challenged as to whether this is parental neglect or a neglect of my own moral choices.”
was challenged as to whether this is parental neglect or a neglect of my own moral choices, as I see the direct impact of living in a
society with so much choice. At CCPAS, our training emerges from our biblical mandate to “speak up for the vulnerable” (Proverbs 31:8) to “Do justice to the afflicted and destitute” (Psalm 82:3). This drives our passion and heart to safe-
Protection is often demonstrated in communities and through relationship, less so through statutory support or government intervention. The heart response
guard children and adults, to advocate, care and protect God’s children.
to the scenario where a widow leaves her children at 4am to go to work the land three miles away, leaving the nine year old
As I teach this, there is passion in
siblings to care for their baby sister, is to buy the family some
the room, a growing desire to join this mission. The heart is deeply
land or give them a cow. Practical support, generous love,
present in this, but the social
a heart for the community and maybe a touch of idealism. The paradox I am left with is there is absolutely a need to share good and effective practice, and to seek to protect and advocate for those in need, 16
but how effective can this be in such countries where the social
anonymously, communities are so close that they will find out it
structures, the statutory support and the legislation are not there to support this?
is me, and the family or the vigilantes will come for me.” So how do we reconcile this? Our call to protect, coupled with the advocates lives being in threat. What can I advise?
I ask those who work regularly with such communities how they manage seeing such squalor and poverty daily, and how they deal with living in areas of such overwhelming need. They say to me, “some days I wish I was a police officer, another a plumber, another, a social worker. I simply ask God to set before me each day what he would have me do.”
In Madagascar the challenge is stronger. Although progress is being made, and the country has signed up to the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child, (UNHCR) there remains a general lack of implementation of laws, and an impunity of offenders.
I’m reminded of that wonderful quote by Mother Theresa:
“I for one cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone and make many ripples”.
I turn to the YWAM students here, having laid out the biblical mandate and provided an abusive scenario, and I am struck by a wall of fear. “If I ring the government hotline, the family will come after me and my life will be in danger.” They go on to say, “Even if I ring 17
Safeguarding training you can trust.
Training courses: • NEW Safeguarding adults • NEW Safeguarding children • Safeguarding combined (adults and children) • DBS and eligibility • Domestic abuse • NEW Pastoral care and supporting survivors • Safer recruitment • NEW Safeguarding Co-ordinator training • NEW Spiritual abuse • Working with those who may pose a risk
www.ccpas.co.uk
Independent and trusted for 40 years. “As a teacher I thought I’d heard every aspect of safeguarding. I was totally wrong!”
Michele Hawthorne: Turning the silence off
This year, we are really pleased to be partnering with Press Red for their annual conference. We caught up with founder Michele Hawthorne to find our what prompted her to set up the event and what she hopes the impact will be for women facing violence and abuse. and we want to bring the reality of the healing nature of Jesus’ resurrection into the lives of all those affected by this violence: to
Why does Press Red exist? Press Red exists to inform people of the crimes being committed against women and girls and to inspire and assist them to initiate change and make a difference.
break harmful cycles and enable both victims and perpetrators to flourish.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that one in three women will suffer from violence during the course of her lifetime,
Our mission is raise awareness of these issues throughout the world, pointing people to sources
of inspiration and help, and also to 19
create opportunities to take action. We also want to help churches in the UK demonstrate
took place in 2017.
Why do you think there is so much silence around these issues? Firstly, this abuse is usually hidden; behind closed doors or within culturally accepted practices. Outsiders don’t know what’s going on, which is why it’s so vital to raise awareness; how can we help if we don’t know what’s happening?
how God intended relationships to function, and to become places of sanctuary and love for all those suffering due to violence and abuse.
Secondly, nearly all victims feel ashamed. The abuse makes them feel that they are somehow at fault – which makes them reluctant to verbalise what’s being done to them.
What prompted you to start Press Red and to hold this conference? In 2016 I attended a seminar at Spring Harvest where Elaine Storkey was speaking about her book ‘Scars Across Humanity’. I knew I had to do something to get people to listen to what Elaine had to say and so, with the help and support of many volunteers, the first Press Red conference
201 19
This reluctance is made worse by how the abuse
Our tag-line is “Turn the Silence Off”: we want to bring what is
shatters trust. Many victims find it very hard to trust anyone with the story of their lives, and many fear reprisals if they do.
happening into plain sight and to allow God’s light to shine into its darkness. Doing nothing will allow these abuses to continue: it is only when we stand together that we will begin to see change.
“It’s hard to speak out when a problem is so huge we don’t know what to do.”
How can churches in the UK take action on this issue? We need to talk about it. Churches must acknowledge that there is a problem. This is often the biggest hurdle, but it’s where Press Red can help. Once churches are aware that change needs to occur, specialist organisations can be approached for tailored practical help.
In addition, many cultures, religions, and traditions still allow women to be treated as second-class citizens and be denied access to independence, education, or opportunities. This attitude can be used to justify violence and abuse. Working with men and challenging their beliefs is therefore vital.
“We need to talk about it. Churches must acknowledge that there is a problem.”
Finally, it’s hard to speak out when a problem is so huge we don’t know what to do. Press Red wants to change
Churches also need to be regularly praying about these
that – to enable the voices of men and women to be heard.
issues. The problems we are 211 19
”A key issue in fighting gender abuse is that it really is a scar across humanity, it’s an abnegation of responsibility to be human before each other, to love each other, it’s a denial of who we are, and we just can’t sit down and allow this atrocity to continue as though it’s normal.” - Elaine Storkey
22
facing are too large to be solved by human endeavour alone: we
development and can’t wait to share our plans.
need God to change hearts and transform situations.
What would you say to those working in safeguarding in churches?
What is your vision for the Press Red movement?
Thank you. Your role is crucial. Remember that you are not alone and that making the church a
Our vision is of a world where the restoration Jesus offers is brought into every situation of violence or abuse against women, restoring relationships between men and women to how God intended them to be, and offering hope to victims and perpetrators.
safer place is a team effort. You therefore need to make sure others can also recognise the signs of abuse and your church’s procedures, and be sure to consider your approach from the victims’ point of view.
What can people expect from this year’s conference?
CCPAS is a great resource for guidance and help, and a wonderful partner for Press Red in our work of helping the church become a beacon of hope and safety.
We want every delegate at this year’s conference to leave inspired and equipped to make a difference. Many fantastic organisations will be present, including CCPAS, and there is plenty of time to hear their talks, browse their stands, and make connections. There will also be testimonies, worship, a panel discussion, and a presentation by
Press Red Conference Saturday 29th September Lighthouse Church, Manchester Book your tickets by going to
Press Red about our future: we are in a period of real growth and
www.pressred.org 223
Meet the team: Helen Gilbert Associate In this edition we introduce you to Helen, who is one of our Safeguarding Associates. Originally working in Primary Education, Helen completed a Masters in Woman and Child Abuse and joined us in 2014.
How did you get involved with CCPAS?
closely with statutory agencies to safeguard children at risk of harm.
As a Safeguarding Officer in a large, busy Anglican parish I always found that advice from CCPAS was a tremendous source of support both in dealing with safeguarding questions and also in supporting the development of policy and practice in order to build a stronger
After leaving headship I became increasingly engaged with issues of social justice and the biblical imperative to speak for those whose voices are not heard, to reach out to the marginalized and those who are oppressed through the abuse of power. Shortly after
safeguarding culture in my church. I never imagined that I would find myself working for CCPAS.
completing a Masters Degree in Woman and Child Abuse I learned that CCPAS were recruiting Safeguarding Associates and
What did you do before joining CCPAS?
following interview I began working with the organisation in
Most of my working life was spent in Primary Education and I worked
2014. During the last four years I
24
Further work includes writing new training material for CCPAS, safeguarding audits, risk assessments and historical case reviews. Sometimes this work is demanding and challenging. I am currently working with others on a piece of research around the complex issues of safeguarding in overseas contexts.
have seen CCPAS develop its infrastructure and expand its reach. With support from colleagues, I have developed my own expertise and I find that there is always something new to learn.
“I always found that advice from CCPAS was a tremendous source of support.”
What inspires you to work in safeguarding? It is a great privilege to travel around the country, and abroad at times, in order to support a
What does your role of Safeguarding Associate involve?
whole range of churches and charities as they seek to make their organisations safer places for everyone. Never has this been more important.
When I first set out as a Safeguarding Associate most of my work was in the field of training, both delivering CCPAS’ own training modules and also
“It is a great privilege to support a whole range of churches and charities as they seek to make their organisations safer places for everyone.”
working with two major denominations to provide training for their churches. Important as this work is, I enjoy even more the many opportunities to work with a range of faith-based organisations to develop bespoke training that targets their specific needs. 25