The Filling Station Trust
Safeguarding Policy

Important Notice

This safeguarding policy applies exclusively to The Filling Station Trust. Every Filling Station meeting is an independent entity. Each local team is therefore responsible for ensuring that their meeting is both welcoming and safe. The Filling Station Trust recommends that meetings have their own Safeguarding policy. Information about safeguarding at a specific Filling Station can be obtained by contacting that meeting directly using the contact details on the Filling Station website (www.thefillingstation.org.uk).

SECTION 1: The Organisation

The objects of the charity are the advancement of the Christian religion for the public benefit through ecumenical Christian ministry, and the promotion of teaching on all aspects of Christian life and faith in accordance with biblical principles. In particular by facilitating prayer meetings, sung corporate worship, study groups, and the production and/or distribution of literature to enlighten others about the Christian religion.

The Filling Station Trust:

• Believes that each person has a value and dignity that comes directly from God’s creation of male and female in His own image and likeness
• Acknowledges the Christian duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm
• Recognises that some individuals are particularly vulnerable to abuse in all its forms
• Acknowledges the effects this abuse may have on people and their development
• Commits to respond without delay to any allegation that abuse has occurred as set out in this document

The Filling Station Trust undertakes to:

• follow all national safeguarding legislation and procedures
• provide on-going safeguarding training for all its workers
• review safeguarding policy and practice regularly
• support the Safeguarding Coordinators in their work and in any action they may need to take in order to protect children and adults with care and support needs

SECTION 2 – Prevention

Safeguarding Awareness

• The Filling Station Trust is committed to developing a culture of awareness of safeguarding issues to help protect everyone
• As a full member of Thirtyone:eight (https://thirtyoneeight.org/) The Filling Station will receive up-to-date and externally approved professional advice on Safeguarding
• Safeguarding recommendations will be brought to the notice of local Filling Station teams both in the Starter Pack and by the Regional Consultants

Safeguarding Training

• The Filling Station Trust is committed to providing on-going Safeguarding training and development opportunities for all workers. Employees and volunteers at the Trust will undertake recognised Safeguarding training on a regular basis either as part of their denomination or through Thirtyone:eight.
• The Filling Station Trustee with responsibility for Safeguarding, the Filling Station staff Safeguarding Coordinator as well as each Filling Station Regional Consultant, must reach a standard of training deemed appropriate by the Filling Station Safeguarding Coordinator. Currently Level 3 would be suitable.

Safer Recruitment

• The Filling Station Trust will ensure all workers will be appointed, trained, supported and supervised in accordance with government guidance on safe recruitment.

This includes ensuring that:

• There is a written job description / person specification for the post
• The applicant will have been interviewed
• A disclosure and barring check has been completed where necessary
• The applicant will be required to complete a probationary period
• The applicant has been given a copy of the organisation’s safeguarding policy and knows how to report concerns

SECTION 3 – Recognising and responding appropriately to an allegation or suspicion of abuse

Understanding Abuse and Neglect

• Defining abuse is a difficult and complex issue. Detailed definitions, and signs and indicators of abuse are included as appendices to this policy.

Responding to Allegations of Abuse

• Under no circumstances should a Trustee, member of staff or volunteer carry out their own investigation into an allegation or suspicion of abuse

If a safeguarding concern is raised or an allegation made about a member of the Filling Station Trust staff the following procedure should be followed:

• The person in receipt of allegations or suspicions of abuse should report concerns as soon as possible to Brian Streeter (hereafter the “Safeguarding Co-ordinator”) who is nominated by the Trust to act on their behalf in dealing with the allegation or suspicion of neglect or abuse, including referring the matter on to the statutory authorities. Email: brian@thefillingstation.org.uk
• In the absence of the Safeguarding Co-ordinator or, if the suspicions in any way involve the Safeguarding Co-ordinator, then the report should be made to John Pugh-Smith (hereafter the “Trustee Safeguarding Co-ordinator”). Email: john.pugh-smith@39essex.com
• If the suspicions implicate both the Safeguarding Co-ordinator and the Trustee Safeguarding Co-ordinator, then the report should be made in the first instance to Thirtyone:eight, PO Box 133, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7UQ. Tel: 0303 003 11 11. Filling Station Membership Number: 11520

The role of the safeguarding co-ordinator/ Trustee Safeguarding Co-ordinator is to collate and clarify the precise details of the allegation or suspicion and pass this information on to statutory agencies who have a legal duty to investigate.

The Safeguarding Co-ordinator may need to inform others depending on the circumstances and/or nature of the concern (for example the Chair of Trustees will be informed to log that a safeguarding concern is being dealt with).

Suspicions must not be discussed with anyone other than those nominated above. A written record of the concerns should be made in accordance with these procedures and kept in a secure place.

Whilst allegations or suspicions of abuse will normally be reported to the Safeguarding Co-ordinator, the absence of the Safeguarding Co-ordinator or Trustee Safeguarding Co-ordinator should not delay referral to Social Services, the Police or taking advice from Thirtyone:eight.

Staff, Volunteers and Trustees of the Trust will support the Safeguarding Co-ordinator/ Trustee Safeguarding Co-ordinator in their role, and accept that any information they may have in their possession will be shared in a strictly limited way on a need to know basis.

If the individual with the concern feels that the Safeguarding Co-ordinator/ Trustee Safeguarding Co-ordinator have not responded appropriately, or where they have a disagreement with the Safeguarding Co-ordinators as to the appropriateness of a referral they are free to contact Thirtyone:eight directly.

If a safeguarding concern is raised, or an allegation made about a team member or guest at a Filling Station meeting to a member of the Filling Station Trust staff the staff member needs to ask the person to raise the concern formally with the local Filling Station Team. It will then be their duty to seek advice from Thirtyone:eight and proceed accordingly

SECTION 4 – Practice Guidelines

As an organisation that occasionally works with adults with care and support needs we wish to operate and promote good working practice and minimise the risk of false or unfounded accusation.

Prayer Ministry

• Prayer ministry is a time when safeguarding risks may be increased because those coming to receive prayer ministry are often deliberately making themselves vulnerable to those praying. For this reason it is suggested that particular care should be taken to protect those coming for prayer ministry.
• The Prayer Ministry: Values and Practice document which outlines pastoral best practice for Prayer Ministry at Filling Station meetings and events is included as Appendix 5.

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Definitions of Abuse in Adults

The following information relates to the Safeguarding of Adults as defined in the Care Act 2014, Chapter 14. Safeguarding, this replaces the previous guidelines produced in ‘No Secrets’ (Department of Health 2000)

The legislation is relevant across England and Wales but on occasions applies only to local authorities in England.

The Safeguarding duties apply to an adult who;

• has need for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs) and;
• is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect; and
• as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect.

Organisations should always promote the adult’s wellbeing in their safeguarding arrangements. People have complex lives and being safe is only one of the things they want for themselves. Professionals should work with the adult to establish what being safe means to them and how that can be best achieved. Professional and other staff should not be advocating ‘safety’ measures that do not take account of individual well-being, as defined in Section 1 of the Care Act.

Link: The Care Act 2014: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/23/contents/enacted
Link: Care and Support Statutory Guidance under the Care Act 2014: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/care-act-statutory-guidance/care-and-support-statutory-guidance

This section considers the different types and patterns of abuse and neglect and the different circumstances in which they may take place. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list but an illustrative guide as to the sort of behaviour which could give rise to a safeguarding concern.

Physical abuse – including assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate physical sanctions.

Domestic violence – including psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional abuse; so called ‘honour’ based violence.

Sexual abuse – including rape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking or touching, sexual teasing or innuendo, sexual photography, subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting.

Psychological abuse – including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyber bullying, isolation or unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal of services or supportive networks.

Financial or material abuse – including theft, fraud, internet scamming, coercion in relation to an adult’s financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.

Modern slavery – encompasses slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.

Discriminatory abuse – including forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment; because of race, gender and gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

Organisational abuse – including neglect and poor care practice within an Institution or specific care setting such as a hospital or care home, for example, or in relation to care provided in one’s own home. This may range from one off incidents to on-going ill-treatment. It can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of the structure, policies, processes and practices within an organisation.

Neglect and acts of omission – including ignoring medical, emotional or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, care and support or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating.

Self-neglect – this covers a wide range of behaviour neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding. Incidents of abuse may be one-off or multiple, and affect one person or more.

Appendix 2: Signs of possible abuse in adults

Physical abuse

• History of unexplained falls, fractures, bruises, burns, minor injuries.
• Signs of under or over use of medication and/or medical problems left unattended.
• Any injuries not consistent with the explanation given for them
• Bruising and discolouration – particularly if there is a lot of bruising of different ages and in places not normally exposed to falls, rough games etc.
• Recurring injuries without plausible explanation
• Loss of hair, loss of weight and change of appetite
• Person flinches at physical contact &/or keeps fully covered, even in hot weather;
• Person appears frightened or subdued in the presence of a particular person or people

Domestic violence

• Unexplained injuries or ‘excuses’ for marks or scars
• Controlling and/or threatening relationship including psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional abuse; so called ‘honour’ based violence and Female Genital Mutilation.
• Age range extended to 16 yrs.

Sexual abuse

• Pregnancy in a woman who lacks mental capacity or is unable to consent to sexual intercourse
• Unexplained change in behaviour or sexually explicit behaviour
• Torn, stained or bloody underwear and/or unusual difficulty in walking or sitting
• Infections or sexually transmitted diseases
• Full or partial disclosures or hints of sexual abuse
• Self-harming
• Emotional distress
• Mood changes
• Disturbed sleep patterns

Psychological abuse

• Alteration in psychological state e.g. withdrawn, agitated, anxious, tearful
• Intimidated or subdued in the presence of a carer
• Fearful, flinching or frightened of making choices or expressing wishes
• Unexplained paranoia
• Changes in mood, attitude and behaviour, excessive fear or anxiety
• Changes in sleep pattern or persistent tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Helplessness or passivity
• Confusion or disorientation
• Implausible stories and attention seeking behaviour
• Low self-esteem

Financial or material abuse

• Disparity between assets and living conditions
• Unexplained withdrawals from accounts or disappearance of financial documents or loss of money
• Sudden inability to pay bills, getting into debt
• Carers or professionals fail to account for expenses incurred on a person’s behalf
• Recent changes of deeds or title to property
• Missing personal belongings
• Inappropriate granting and / or use of Power of Attorney

Modern slavery

• Physical appearance; unkempt, inappropriate clothing, malnourished
• Movement monitored, rarely alone, travel early or late at night to facilitate working hours.
• Few personal possessions or ID documents.
• Fear of seeking help or trusting people.

Discriminatory abuse

• Inappropriate remarks, comments or lack of respect
• Poor quality or avoidance care
• Low self-esteem
• Withdrawn
• Anger
• Person puts themselves down in terms of their gender or sexuality
• Abuse may be observed in conversations or reports by the person of how they perceive themselves

Institutional Abuse

• Low self-esteem
• Withdrawn
• Anger
• Person puts themselves down in terms of their gender or sexuality
• Abuse may be observed in conversations or reports by the person of how they perceive themselves
• No confidence in complaints procedures for staff or service users.
• Neglectful or poor professional practice.

Neglect and acts of omission

• Deteriorating despite apparent care
• Poor home conditions, clothing or care and support.
• Lack of medication or medical intervention

Self-neglect

• Hoarding inside or outside a property
• Neglecting personal hygiene or medical needs
• Person looking unkempt or dirty and has poor personal hygiene
• Person is malnourished, has sudden or continuous weight loss and is dehydrated – constant hunger, stealing or gorging on food
• Person is dressed inappropriately for the weather conditions
• Dirt, urine or faecal smells in a person’s environment
• Home environment does not meet basic needs (for example not heating or lighting)
• Depression

Appendix 3: Effective Listening

Ensure the physical environment is welcoming, giving opportunity for the child or adult at risk to talk in private but making sure others are aware the conversation is taking place.

• It is especially important to allow time and space for the person to talk
• Above everything else listen without interrupting
• Be attentive and look at them whilst they are speaking
• Show acceptance of what they say (however unlikely the story may sound) by reflecting back words or short phrases they have used
• Try to remain calm, even if on the inside you are feeling something different
• Be honest and don’t make promises you can’t keep regarding confidentiality
• If they decide not to tell you after all, accept their decision but let them know that you are always ready to listen.
• Use language that is age appropriate and, for those with disabilities, ensure there is someone available who understands sign language, Braille etc.

Helpful Responses

• You have done the right thing in telling
• I am glad you have told me
• I will try to help you

Don’t Say

• Why didn’t you tell anyone before?
• I can’t believe it!
• Are you sure this is true?
• Why? How? When? Who? Where?
• I am shocked, don’t tell anyone else

Appendix 4: Prayer Ministry Values and Practice

1. Prayer ministry is about partnering with God to release the good things that he has for his precious children

• We are not here to do a counselling session. Don’t give advice. Listen more than speak

2. Everything we do in prayer ministry flows from God so it is important that we are in ‘right-standing’ with God

• We may need to take a few moments before we pray to allow ourselves to be filled again with his Spirit and to deal with anything that the Lord shows us

3. We want to create a safe environment in which to pray for people

• All Filling Station Prayer Ministry should take place in the context of the public space of the meeting. It should not be held privately in ancillary rooms (the toilets or the car park), or later in the week
• Wherever possible two members of the Ministry team should pray together with at least one person being of the same gender as the person being prayed for. At the start the individual should be asked if they would prefer a different combination of prayers (i.e. 2 men or 2 women)
• The person coming forward for prayer may be nervous, so do not rush them, treat them gently and keep them informed of what, you are doing
• Laying on hands is a biblical practice, but ask first and be sensitive where you put your hands
• Keep in mind the safety and dignity of the person being prayed with. There are times when people fall over in the power of the Spirit. If so make sure they know it is safe to fall, are comfortable when down and protected from fear of being trodden on or exposed
• All Prayer Ministry must be strictly confidential and can only be shared generally with the person’s specific permission. However it is best not to promise unconditional confidentiality as it may be necessary to share information with a ministry team supervisor (and them alone) if it is necessary for your care, the care of the person being prayed for or to fulfil Safeguarding guidelines
• Don’t tell people that they have an evil spirit / demon – it is usually unhelpful and may not be true. If a demon manifests use a binding prayer (Matthew 16:19) to calm things down in the short term. The person who is overseeing the Prayer Ministry time should ensure that arrangements are made for follow-up by the local church

4. Invite the Holy Spirit, to come. Encourage the person to relax and receive

• Keep your eyes open while praying and bless what God is doing
• Be listening to and watching God is doing as well as listening to and watching the person

5. Individuals requesting prayer ministry for addictive or unwanted sexual desires, thought patterns and behaviours should be referred to their church leader

• We suggest the following prayers:
  i. ‘to receive clarity about God’s will’
  ii. ‘to receive peace’ – as per Numbers 6:24-27

6. Be prepared to ask for help as necessary. If a person becomes distressed or you feel out of your depth call over the person who is overseeing the Prayer Ministry time

7. The Prayer Ministry Team ministers under the authority of the local Filling Station team. Please be accountable to them

Prayer Ministry Best Practice

Preparation for Ministry
1. Ensure that you are right with God
2. Check that your appearance and smell are appropriate!!

• Ministry mints are invaluable aid to fresh breath…

3. Have tissues available

During Ministry
1. Introduce yourself and ask the person’s name. SMILE!
2. Ask the person what they would like prayer for

• Listen both to the person and to the Lord

3. If you would like to lay hands on the person please ask and seek their consent first
4. Ask the Holy Spirit to come. Then wait
5. Expect God to speak. Listen to him
6. Pray. Be natural, do not shout and if you pray in tongues do so quietly and sensitively as it can be distracting for the person
7. Watch the person and do not be afraid to ask them what they feel is happening
8. When you receive a word, impression or picture share it with them in a non-threatening, non-directive way that allows them to weigh it
9. If the word resonates with them it may be right to pray it in
10. If you find that you are out of your depth – get help. Tell the person that you are just going to find someone to pray with you

To Close
1. Ask the person what the Lord has been doing
2. Assure the person of God’s love irrespective of the apparent outcome. It is the Holy Spirit’s ministry and the results may not be immediately obvious.
3. Never suggest, hint or imply that a person should give up a course of medicine. Only a doctor can do this. Never tell a person that they are healed if they are not
4. Encourage them:

• Suggest that they get prayed for again
• Suggest some scriptures to read