Section 1

Details of the Organisation

Name of Organisation: Central Eurasian Partners (UK)

Email address:  contactus@cepartners.org.uk

Chair of Trustees: Paul Carter

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Paula Gibbs

Deputy Safeguarding Officer: Katherine Hillcoat

DSL Contact details:

Email: safeguarding@cepartners.org.uk

Charity number: 1121497

Central Eurasian Partners UK is a Christian charity existing solely to raise awareness of and the financial support for a network of specific partners in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Each partner is expected to have their individual safeguarding policy, according to the regulations in that particular country, as they work in different fields and among disparate demographics. CEPUK does not have any day-to-day control or management of individual partners. However, if we become aware of a safeguarding concern regarding one of our partners, we will inform the relevant safeguarding lead of that partner.

The UK charity is administered by a Board of Trustees and a number of advisors to the board. The main interaction with members of the public is by visits to churches and homes by small teams of traveling advocates from the European network, who present current needs. These teams stay in homes of church members in the various locations they are visiting. Online interaction with supporters also takes place.

Section 2

Our commitment 

As a Christian charity, CEPUK is committed to identifying and following best practice, including complying with the requirements and guidance issued by charity regulators and government. In its publication ‘Strategy for dealing with safeguarding issues in charities’ the Charity Commission is clear that trustees have the primary responsibility for safeguarding in their charity (Section 3).

CEPUK accepts these responsibilities and duties and has appointed a Designated Safeguarding Lead. The role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead is to:

• Ensure that all policy and procedure is up to date, reviewed and implemented effectively
• Manage reported safeguarding incidents in line with current statutory requirements 
• Act as an advocate on behalf of children and adults in need of protection.
• Arrange and ensure Trustees attend relevant safeguarding training
• Keep accurate records relating to safeguarding concerns.
• Regularly inform the Trustees on good practice issues
• Work in partnership with statutory and other agencies

We believe that all these duties and responsibilities are important, primarily because vulnerable adults and children need to be protected, but also because trustees have a duty to protect the reputation of the charity and of individuals connected with it. Whilst CEPUK may not generally work directly with children or adults, our mission is to equip, encourage and empower those who do. We have a significant role therefore in taking a lead in encouraging safeguarding standards in the partners we support. It is in the spirit of the above, that the Board has established the following policy statement.

We acknowledge that children, young people and adults can be the victims of physical, sexual and psychological/emotional (including spiritual) abuse, neglect and other forms of abuse in a variety of settings and contexts. (See Appendix 1: Definitions)

We accept the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant of Human Rights, which states that everyone is entitled to “all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status”.

Section 3

Safe Practice

For CEPUK activities it is the responsibility of the Board to assess and monitor the risks that arise from the work of those involved in the promotion of the ministries of our European Partners.

3.1 Communicating with Children

Any online communication with people aged under 18 should be with the full knowledge and consent of their parents. Due consideration shall be given to accepting accommodation for travellers in homes and to minimising any contact between two individuals, where one might be considered to be vulnerable.

3.2 Managing safeguarding incidents

CEPUK has a responsibility to promote the welfare of staff, trustees and volunteers. If a trustee or volunteer of CEPUK become concerned that an adult or child is being, or is at risk of being, abused or neglected in relation to their activities within the UK they must take responsibility to act on their concerns. (Responsibilities for incidents related to partner organisations refer to section 1). Not responding may be seen as act of abuse in itself. The following actions should be taken:

• Careful notes must be kept, recording factual information and direct quotes where possible. Notes should be signed and dated and kept securely. Copies should be forwarded to the DSL/Deputy DSL.
• Under no circumstances should a Trustee carry out their own investigation into an allegation or suspicion of abuse. 
• If the person is at immediate risk of harm or danger, the police must be contacted.
• The DSL, or in their absence the Deputy DSL, should be informed as soon as possible about any concerns or disclosures and they may need to escalate to the relevant statutory agencies
• Wherever appropriate, information should be shared with the consent of the adult, young person or a child’s parents
• Support will be offered to the person who has disclosed the abuse or is at risk of abuse and neglect.

3.3 Managing an allegation of abuse

If an allegation of abuse is made against a trustee or volunteer of CEPUK this must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (or Deputy in their absence) In such situations the DSL will inform the individual concerned that an investigation will be made without undue delay.

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for the appropriate local authority will be informed and advice taken on actions required. Following investigation action may be taken by CEPUK, the local authority or the police.

We are committed to reporting any incidents to the appropriate regulatory bodies, including the Charity Commission and government departments (police, social services etc).

Section 4

Record Keeping and Policy Review

All safeguarding concerns raised will be recorded and kept securely by the DSL. The DSL and deputy DSL will have access to these records.

The Board is responsible for considering the adequacy of our safeguarding arrangements and will review this policy and procedures annually,

The Designated Safeguarding Lead will provide a annual report to the Board including the number of incidents reported and concerns raised.

 Appendix 1: Definitions

Abuse: Abuse is a general term that is used to cover a wide range of harm caused to people. It always involves a violation of the person’s rights.

Adult at risk of abuse: These are adults who have care and support needs whether those needs are being met or not. Due to their care and support needs they are unable to protect themselves. Adults at risk include:

• A person whose health or usual function is compromised
• A person with a physical disability, a learning difficulty or a sensory impairment
• Someone with mental health needs, including dementia or a personality disorder
• A person with a long-term health condition
• Someone who misuses substances or alcohol to the extent that it affects their ability to manage day-to-day living
• A person with reduced independence including those who do not speak English as their first language.

Child: A person up to the age of 18 years (including unborn children).

Abuse: A person may abuse by inflicting harm or failing to prevent harm. Abuse may take place within a family, an institution or a community setting. Very often the abuser is known or in a trusted relationship with the child or adult.

Categories of abuse: Types of abuse that are defined in legislation.

When considering children there are 4 categories of abuse:

• Physical
• Sexual
• Emotional
• Neglect

When considering adults there are10 categories of abuse:

• Physical
• Sexual
• Psychological (or emotional)
• Neglect
• Domestic
• Institutional
• Financial or material
• Modern slavery
• Self-neglect
• Discriminatory

Spiritual abuse: An abuse of power, often done in the name of God or religion, which involves manipulating or coercing someone into thinking, saying or doing things without respecting their right to choose for themselves. Some indicators of spiritual abuse might be a leader who is intimidating and imposes his/her will on other people, perhaps threatening dire consequences or the wrath of God if disobeyed. He or she may say that God has revealed certain things to them and so they know what is right. Those under their leadership are fearful to challenge or disagree, believing they will lose the leader’s (or more seriously God’s) acceptance and approval.

Radicalisation: Exploitation and pressure to be involved in terrorism for religious or political purposes e.g. far-right, islamist

Safeguarding: A wide range of activities that includes the general duty of care that we have for everyone who comes into contact with the charity, through early intervention and targeted support and the protection from significant harm. The duty relates to both children and adults.