Safeguarding in faith organisations
All faith organisations should have in place a safeguarding children policy and a designated person for safeguarding children. The designated person should undertake the Kirklees level 2 multi-agency training course 'Working Together to Safeguard Children'.
All faith based organisations need to have appropriate arrangements in place for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. These arrangements should include:
- Procedures for staff and others to report concerns that they have about the children
- Appropriate codes of practice for staff
- Appropriate recruitment procedures
- Appropriate training and supervision of staff and volunteers
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All allegations against staff must be reported to the local authority designated officer (LADO) who will advise on what action needs to be taken.
Faith organisations should refer to and use the guidance and safeguarding checklist on this website when developing their safeguarding children policies.
Fakhara Rehman, Community Faiths Co-ordinator with Kirklees Faiths Forum sits on the Safeguarding Board Voluntary and Community Sector Workstream. Fakhara is a useful contact for safeguarding children work and can be contacted on 01924 326419, or by email Fakhara.Rehman@kirklees.gov.uk
Useful websites and publications
CCPAS (The Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service)
CCPAS has many years experience of working with a range of faith organisations. CCPAS offers advice and support, a range of training and resources, and a 24 hour telephone helpline for churches, other places of worship and faith based groups and individuals, providing advice and support on safeguarding issues.
Safeguarding Children Guidance for Madressahs and Supplementary Schools (Kirklees Council 2010)
This document is a comprehensive resource that is useful not only for madressahs but for all voluntary organisations. Includes the principles of safeguarding children, understanding what child abuse is, responsibilities of adults working with children, health and safety, achieving good behaviour, managing allegations.
A Handbook for Madressah Management & Safeguarding (Faith Associates 2012)
Practical advice for successful madrassah and mosque management. Provides guidance on how to instigate good management styles, how to improve record keeping and how to build on good teaching and learning practice.
