Safeguarding Policy

POTTER’S HOUSE CHRISTIAN MISSION UK

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Version: 1.0
Approved by: PHCMUK Board of Trustee
Approval Date: 13th May, 2026
Next Review Date:
Policy Owner: Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

INTRODUCTION

Potter’s House Christian Mission UK (“the Mission”) is a Christ-centred, non-denominational ministry committed to life-moulding processes and transformational training. Our mandate is:

Building Lives, Strengthening Homes, Shaping Nations for Christ.

We serve youths, students, families, ministers, and the wider body of Christ through discipleship, leadership development, conferences, retreats, vocational empowerment initiatives, mission partnerships, and digital teaching platforms.

Safeguarding is integral to our calling. The gospel we proclaim demands that the vulnerable are protected, the weak defended, and all people treated with dignity and respect. Abuse, neglect, exploitation, coercion, or spiritual manipulation contradict our faith, our values, and our charitable obligations.

This document sets out the safeguarding framework that governs all our activities in Scotland, across the UK, and in partnership contexts overseas.

2. POLICY STATEMENT

Potter’s House Christian Mission UK is committed to:

  • Protecting children and adults at risk from all forms of harm
  • Promoting wellbeing, dignity, and flourishing
  • Embedding safeguarding into leadership, governance, and ministry culture
  • Responding promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns
  • Operating transparently and accountably in line with Scottish law

We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to abuse.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility; trustees, leaders, staff, volunteers, partners, and participants.

3. LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK (SCOTLAND)

This policy reflects and complies with relevant legislation and guidance, including:

  • Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007
  • Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014
  • Protecting Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007
  • Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
  • Online Safety Act 2023
  • Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) safeguarding guidance

Where activities extend beyond Scotland, applicable UK or international safeguarding standards will be observed.

Trustees recognise that failure to manage safeguarding risks may constitute misconduct in the administration of the charity.

4. SCOPE OF THIS POLICY

This policy applies to:

  • Trustees
  • Leadership Team
  • Ministers and ordained/licensed workers
  • Paid staff
  • Volunteers
  • Interns and placement students
  • Contractors
  • Mission partners acting on our behalf

It covers all Mission activities, including:

  • Discipleship classes and seminars
  • Conferences, conventions, and retreats
  • Youth and student initiatives
  • Evangelistic outreaches
  • Vocational and skills-acquisition programs
  • Missionary support activities
  • Publishing and media broadcasting
  • Social media and digital ministry
  • International collaborations

5. DEFINITIONS

5.1 Children

A child is any person under the age of 18.

5.2 Adults at Risk (Scotland Definition)

An adult (16+) who:

  • Has care and support needs
  • Is experiencing or at risk of harm
  • Is unable to safeguard their own wellbeing or interests

Vulnerability may arise from disability, illness, trauma, age, dependency, mental health challenges, or social/economic circumstances.

6. WHAT IS SAFEGUARDING?

Safeguarding is the action we take to:

  • Prevent harm
  • Protect from abuse
  • Promote wellbeing
  • Respond appropriately to concerns

Safeguarding includes child protection but extends further to building safe environments, safe systems, and safe leadership cultures.

7. FORMS OF ABUSE

Abuse may occur in person or online and may be a single incident or repeated pattern.

7.1 Physical Abuse

Assault, hitting, inappropriate restraint, misuse of medication, physical punishment (unlawful in Scotland).

7.2 Emotional / Psychological Abuse

Humiliation, intimidation, threats, coercion, excessive control, isolation, spiritual manipulation, public shaming.

7.3 Sexual Abuse

Sexual assault, exploitation, grooming, coercion, online abuse, image-based abuse, sexual harassment.

7.4 Neglect

Failure to provide adequate care, supervision, medical treatment, food, shelter, or emotional support.

7.5 Financial or Material Abuse

Fraud, theft, coercion regarding donations, misuse of funds, financial exploitation.

7.6 Domestic Abuse

Coercive control, violence, intimidation between partners or family members.

7.7 Discriminatory Abuse

Abuse based on race, disability, age, gender, sexuality, religion, or belief.

7.8 Organisational Abuse

Harm arising from unsafe culture, poor governance, or inadequate systems.

7.9 Online and Digital Abuse

Cyberbullying, grooming, manipulation, exploitation via digital platforms, AI misuse, deepfake content, or online coercion.

8. CORE SAFEGUARDING PRINCIPLES

  1. The safety and dignity of individuals is paramount.
  2. Safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and acted upon without delay.
  3. We adopt a survivor-centred approach.
  4. Safeguarding is embedded in governance.
  5. We act in accordance with the law.
  6. We foster transparency and accountability.
  7. We continually review and improve safeguarding practice.

9. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

9.1 Board of Trustees

Trustees retain ultimate accountability for safeguarding.

They will:

  • Approve and annually review this policy
  • Appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
  • Ensure appropriate training and Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) checks
  • Maintain safeguarding as a standing governance agenda item
  • Report serious incidents to Scottish Charity Regulation (OSCR) where required
  • Ensure safeguarding risk is included in the organisational risk register

9.2 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The DSL is responsible for:

  • Receiving safeguarding concerns
  • Assessing risk
  • Consulting statutory authorities
  • Maintaining confidential records
  • Advising trustees
  • Coordinating safeguarding training

Contact Details:
 Name: [Bro. Simeon Ayoade]
 Email: [simeonayoade@gmail.com]

If the DSL is implicated, concerns must be reported to the Chair of Trustees.

9.3 All Workers and Volunteers

All individuals working on behalf of the Mission must:

  • Complete safeguarding training
  • Follow the Code of Conduct
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries
  • Report concerns immediately
  • Never promise secrecy
  • Avoid investigating allegations independently

10. SAFER RECRUITMENT

We implement robust safer recruitment procedures:

  • Clear role descriptions outlining safeguarding responsibilities
  • Structured interviews
  • Two references (verified)
  • PVG checks where roles constitute regulated work
  • Safeguarding declaration forms
  • Induction training

Trustees ensure all regulated roles are assessed under the PVG framework.

11. TRAINING

Safeguarding training is mandatory for:

  • Trustees
  • Leaders
  • Staff
  • Volunteers

Training includes:

  • Recognising signs of abuse
  • Reporting procedures
  • Online safeguarding
  • Boundaries and professional conduct
  • Scottish safeguarding law

Refresher training is conducted annually.

12. REPORTING PROCEDURES

12.1 Immediate Danger

Call 999.

12.2 Non-Emergency Concerns

Step 1: Listen calmly and reassure.
 Step 2: Do not promise confidentiality.
 Step 3: Record facts accurately.
 Step 4: Report immediately to the DSL.

The DSL will determine whether referral is required to:

  • Police Scotland (101)
  • Local Authority Child Protection
  • Adult Support and Protection services

All safeguarding records are stored securely and confidentially.

13. CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION

Safeguarding information is:

  • Shared strictly on a need-to-know basis
  • Stored securely
  • Processed in line with UK GDPR

Confidentiality must never override safety.

14. ONLINE AND DIGITAL SAFETY

Given our digital ministry footprint:

  • Consent must be obtained for images and recordings
  • Digital communications must remain transparent
  • AI tools must not be used for counselling or crisis advice
  • Online safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately

15. CODE OF CONDUCT

All ministry representatives must:

  • Treat individuals with dignity and respect
  • Avoid inappropriate physical contact
  • Avoid isolated situations with minors
  • Refrain from financial coercion
  • Avoid spiritual manipulation
  • Model Christlike integrity

Any breach may result in disciplinary action.

16. WHISTLEBLOWING

We promote a culture where concerns can be raised without fear.

Whistleblowers will be protected from retaliation.

External advice can be sought through recognised whistleblowing support services.

17. PARTNERSHIPS AND OVERSEAS WORK

Before engaging partners:

  • Safeguarding policies must be reviewed
  • Due diligence conducted
  • Agreements must include safeguarding clauses
  • Contextual risk assessments completed

Trustees remain accountable for safeguarding risks connected to Mission partnerships.

18. INCIDENT MANAGEMENT AND SERIOUS INCIDENT REPORTING

Where safeguarding incidents occur:

  • Immediate safety is prioritised
  • Authorities are notified where required
  • Trustees are informed
  • Lessons are documented
  • Serious incidents are reported to OSCR in line with regulatory guidance

19. MONITORING AND REVIEW

This policy:

  • Is reviewed annually
  • Is reviewed following any serious safeguarding incident
  • May be updated to reflect legislative changes

Safeguarding performance is reviewed at Board level.

20. TRUSTEE DECLARATION

The Trustees of Potter’s House Christian Mission UK affirm that safeguarding is central to:

  • Our Christian witness
  • Our governance responsibilities
  • Our legal obligations
  • Our public trust

We commit to upholding the highest standards of integrity, protection, and accountability.

Signed:

Chair of Trustees: Bro. Tolu Adeyemi

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Bro. Simeon Ayoade

Date: 13th May, 2026

FINAL STATEMENT

Safeguarding enables us to build lives, strengthen homes, and shape nations for Christ, safely, responsibly, and honourably.

We will not compromise on protection.
We will not ignore concerns.
We will act with courage, compassion, and integrity.

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