This procedure will guide you on how to apply our safeguarding policy when recognising, receiving, or reporting a safeguarding allegation, concern, or disclosure about a child, young person or adult.

>> If you witness, suspect or are told about abuse, follow this guide to report your concern. The full procedure is set out below.

We frequently refer to our 'contracted safeguarding advisors' in this procedure. Currently, this role is fulfilled by Thirtyone:eight, an independent and external safeguarding advisory body. They can be contacted directly via their helpline at 0303 003 1111. For other definitions used in this procedure, please refer to our safeguarding policy.

The nature of Scripture Union England and Wales’ (SUEW) work may lead to allegations, concerns or disclosure of issues that puts children, young people or adults at risk of harm or indicate abuse.

This can include:

• Disclosures of abuse: A disclosure of abuse (physical, emotional and/or sexual), neglect, or harm. Definitions of these terms can be found in our safeguarding policy.
• Observations of concerning behaviour: Witnessing or hearing about behaviour that fails to protect a child, young person, or adult (either directly or indirectly).
• Signs of abuse: Noticing something in a person's behaviour or appearance that raises concerns about abuse, neglect or harm
• Inappropriate behaviour between children and young people: Concerns about inappropriate behaviour between children and young people, either online or offline, including bullying and harassment (child-on-child abuse).
• Online communication: Becoming aware of a Team Member messaging one-on-one with a participant online or other inappropriate levels of communication involving a child or young person.
• Unsuitable behaviour by Team Members: Allegations or concerns about a Team Member behaving in a way that suggests they may not be suitable to work or volunteer with children or adults at risk.
• Behaviour of visitors: Concerns about the behaviour of a parent, carer, or external visitor at an event.
• Donations: Noticing an irregular pattern in an individual’s giving and/or their behaviour that raises concerns about abuse, neglect or harm.
• Low-level concerns: Worries about a volunteer or SUEW staff members behaviour such as being overly friendly with participants, having favourites, or being alone with a child in a secluded area. Whilst individual concerns and/or worries are of a low-level, a pattern of behaviour may create a larger concern.
• Non-recent abuse: Allegations or concerns about abuse or harm that happened in the past. These must be taken seriously and reported immediately in line with our safeguarding policy and this procedure.

While working on SUEW events, Team Members (volunteers or staff) may be told about personal situations experienced by participants they are working with, which may give rise to concerns about mental health or general well-being. Listening and caring without judgment is crucial and in some cases, offering advice and prayer may be appropriate. However, where an allegation, concern or disclosure is raised, it must be taken seriously and the appropriate reporting procedures followed.

Whether the matter being raised is a concern, or disclosure of potential or actual abuse, or an issue of well-being, the following should be applied:

• Listening: Give the person time to talk freely without fear of being overheard. Treat them with respect and accept what is being said as truth at this stage. You may seek clarification but do not ask leading questions or put words in their mouth. Maintain a calm tone and be mindful of your body language and facial reaction so as to not appear shocked, angry or to show disbelief.
• Confidentiality: Do not promise to keep the matter secret. Explain that you must share the information with the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) who may involve others to help.
• Support: Stay with the person until they have said all they want to say. Avoid leaving them distressed.
• Reporting: Inform the event’s DSO of the concern or disclosure as soon as possible.
• Documentation: Make a written report of what happened as soon as possible, recording what was said verbatim without interpretation. This should not be done in the participant's presence.

Whenever an allegation, concern or disclosure is raised, we emphasise respect for individuals and careful consultation throughout the process, avoiding hasty reactions.

At SUEW, the safety and well-being of children, young people, and adults at risk of harm are our highest priorities. This reporting process outlines the steps to take when a safeguarding concern or disclosure arises at a SUEW event. If you have any doubts or uncertainties, always err on the side of caution and report the concern and/or contact our contracted safeguarding advisors for advice.

It is essential to follow this process carefully to ensure that all concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately, maintaining the highest standards of care and protection for those in our care. 

>> You can find a handy visual guide for this process by clicking here

Where a concern arises outside of an event, the Safeguarding Manager or Operational Safeguarding Lead should be informed in place of the Designated Safeguarding Officer in the following process.

1. Reporting the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
   
   A concern, allegation, or disclosure may arise from incidents or conversations at an event involving children, young people, or adults, or from issues regarding the welfare of a child, young person, or vulnerable adult outside of an event. These can relate to both recent or non-recent situations.
   
   At an SU event, the Team Member must notify the DSO of the concern, allegation, or disclosure as soon as possible and ensure detailed notes from any conversation or observation are written down.
   
   DSOs / Team Members (including SUEW staff) must not consider it their role to determine if abuse has occurred; this is the role of our contracted safeguarding advisors who will consider concerns about a child's welfare and advise appropriately. 
   ​​
2. Assessing immediate risk
   
   Is the child at immediate risk of harm?
   
   YES. The DSO reviews information and makes an immediate referral to local Police (999) for support (if not already done so).
   
   NO. The DSO proceeds to the next step.
   
   If a child from Wales, or any child at an event in Wales discloses physical punishment, this must be reported to the police and relevant authorities as required by the ‘Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment (Wales) Act 2020’.
    

3. Contacting contracted safeguarding advisors
   
   The DSO must contact Thirtyone:eight for safeguarding advice within 24 hours of any concern regardless of whether police have been informed. This should be done as soon as possible, ideally on the same day but always within 24 hours, for further advice.

   There are two routes available to contact them;

   Email
   Thirtyone:eight provide a member‑only email address for non‑urgent safeguarding enquiries. This address is supplied directly to Event Leaders and DSOs prior to SU events and must not be shared publicly under any circumstances. When using the member‑only email address, it should be used only for non‑urgent concerns and Thirtyone:eight aim to respond within 24 hours. You must always copy in the SU Safeguarding Team at: [email protected].

   If you have not received the Thirtyone:eight member‑only email address or you require it before an event, please email [email protected] to request it.
   
   If an event ends in less than 48 hours, the matter is urgent / serious or it is preferred to speak to a person rather than email, call the Safeguarding helpline (as below)

   Phone: Safeguarding Helpline - 0303 003 1111 (9am to 5pm daily, with emergency out-of-hours support)
   
   When calling select:

   Option 1 - 'Yes' to membership and then option 3 - 'speak with the Helpline team'. You must state that you are from a 'Scripture Union England and Wales event'.
   OR
   Option 2 - 'No' to membership and then option 2 - 'you are part of an organisation that has an information sharing agreement with us'. You must state that you are from a 'Scripture Union England and Wales event'.

   
   When contacting Thirtyone:eight (either by phone or email), always provide;
   
   - Event name and confirm that it's a Scripture Union England and Wales (SUEW) event (subject header in email)
   - Details of the allegation, concern or disclosure (what was said/observed and when)
   - End date of your event
   - Any other circumstances specific to the event that may need to be considered to keep the child, young person, or adult involved safe, as well as all other participants (e.g., sleeping arrangement, upcoming day trips)
   - Request a call back if needed, and specify timing if appropriate. 
   
   If a concern arises outside of helpline hours, and there's no immediate risk, consider waiting until the next day or email if time allows. 
   
   For the most up-to-date information on contacting Thirtyone:eight, please visit their website here.
    

4. Receiving advice
   
   The contracted safeguarding advisors will provide verbal advice to the caller, followed by an email with written confirmation of this advice. This email will be sent to the caller and automatically to the Head of Mission Event Operations, Safeguarding Manager, and Operational Safeguarding Lead.
   
   The DSO must await written advice and ideally consult with the SUEW safeguarding team before proceeding with any action, unless immediate action is required to ensure the safety of the individual concerned.
    
5. Contacting SUEW
   
   During events, SUEW operates a helpline for all Event Leaders and DSOs, manned by suitably trained SU staff, with one individual designated to support in safeguarding matters.
   
   The DSO is required to call the SU Advice Line on 01908 856035 and advise of contact with the contracted safeguarding advisors and any action required, including contact with police or other statutory agencies (e.g., social services).
   
   SUEW will provide the DSO with the relevant safeguarding concern form and timeline for completion to ensure accurate recording of the allegation, concern, or disclosure and all follow-up actions.
   
   The DSO and the designated SUEW staff member will continue to liaise until the safeguarding matter is resolved as far as SUEW can.
   
   Where there is doubt as to who to contact at SUEW, the Head of Mission Event Operations, Safeguarding Manager or Operational Safeguarding Lead should be contacted. Their details can be found in the safeguarding policy.

If contact with the person involved in a concern, allegation or disclosure continues at an event, ensure interactions remain normal and avoid drawing attention to the situation unless the person initiates further discussion.

DSO’s and Event Leaders must ensure that Team Members handling safeguarding situations receive appropriate support, including counselling if necessary. For additional assistance, they should contact the Safeguarding Manager or Operational Safeguarding Lead.

All Team Members and SUEW Staff are expected to plan and review their work with the person to who they are accountable i.e. Event Leader or Line Manager. External supervision can be arranged for those managing a high volume of safeguarding cases or those who handle cases that require more intensive work. The SUEW Safeguarding Manager oversees all safeguarding activities within the movement and is available to provide further support when needed.

When addressing concerns about adults at risk of harm, the same procedures used for safeguarding children should be followed. This includes seeking advice from our contracted safeguarding advisors who are available to provide guidance and support.

Although SUEW is committed to safer recruitment (see our safer recruitment policy and procedure) and to the upholding of the Code of Conduct that can be found in our safeguarding policy, and to the implementation of our safeguarding policy and procedure it remains possible that there may be individuals within our employed or volunteer workforce who may pose a risk to children, young people and adults. 

If an allegation is made against a Team Member or Event Leader, the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) must follow the same process set out above and contact the contracted safeguarding advisors. The DSO must ask the contracted safeguarding advisors if the team member needs to leave the event immediately to safeguard others.

If the concern is about the DSO, the concern must be raised with the Event Team Leader or Head of Mission Event Operations who are then required to follow the above process.

If an allegation is made against a member of SUEW staff outside of an event, this procedure will be followed and advice sought from the contracted safeguarding advisors.

Referrals to statutory agencies, including the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or Designated Officer for Safeguarding (DOS, Wales), will be made based on advice from our contracted safeguarding advisors. Their advice must be followed unless explicit authorisation to the contrary is given by any two of the following; National Director, Operational Safeguarding Lead, Head of Mission Event Operations and/or Safeguarding Manager.

While our safeguarding policy primarily focuses on current events and activities, we recognise that some individuals may wish to disclose allegations of past incidents of abuse or inappropriate behavior. SUEW is open to receiving such disclosures. Our procedures will always respect individuals and involve careful consultation, avoiding hasty reactions.

During current events: Any concerns or allegations of non-recent abuse disclosed during a current SUEW event will be handled according to this procedure.

In other cases: The Operational Safeguarding Lead must be notified, who will then contact our contracted safeguarding advisors for initial advice.

Support Services: SUEW can provide access to a Listening Service if appropriate, and further support can be made available on a case-by-case basis.

Review and Improvement: All non-recent abuse allegations are reviewed to ensure that any lessons learned can be applied to current policy and practice.

Any safeguarding concerns or disclosures made in an international context should follow the SUEW safeguarding policy and procedure.

Handling disclosures and concerns
The person receiving the disclosure should contact our contracted safeguarding advisors for advice and notify the SUEW Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO), Safeguarding Manager, or Operational Safeguarding Lead. If the receiver cannot call our contracted safeguarding advisors, they should pass all information to the Safeguarding Manager or Operational Safeguarding Lead to make the call.

In-country actions
The team leader should monitor the situation and the individual's well-being, taking steps to manage and minimise risks where possible. Upon returning to the UK, it may be necessary to refer the case to Children’s Services, a LADO, DOS, or the police, based on advice from our contracted safeguarding advisors.

Witnessing abusive practices:
If the team witnesses abusive or inappropriate actions or practices, or receives disclosures from locals, they should follow local safeguarding procedures. The team can contact the contracted safeguarding advisor's helpline for advice if needed. A safeguarding report should be completed and filed within the SUEW system as soon as is reasonably possible.

If a SUEW employee becomes aware of a concern outside of a SUEW event that relates to SUEW, they should contact the contracted safeguarding advisors and follow the reporting process above.

If the concern relates to another organisation, they should inform that organisation's Designated Safeguarding Lead as well as notify their line manager and SUEW's Safeguarding Manager of steps taken.

Any individual concerned about the handling of an allegation, concern or disclosure should contact the Operational Safeguarding Lead. Refer to the safeguarding policy for contact details. 

 

Failure by SUEW staff to comply with this procedure and/or our safeguarding policy is considered misconduct and subject to the SUEW disciplinary process. Additionally, failure to report suspicions, concerns, or disclosures of abuse will be regarded as gross misconduct and will also be subject to the SUEW disciplinary process.

Failure by volunteers to comply with the safeguarding policy and/or procedure may result in future applications to volunteer with SUEW being rejected, resulting in the individual being unable to volunteer in any SUEW activities.