Safeguarding Policy 

1) Introduction

a. Our commitment to safeguarding
Mission Housing is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk. We acknowledge that children, young people and adults can be the victims of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and additional types of abuse.

Mission Housing has therefore adopted the principles and procedures set out in this safeguarding policy.

b. Scope of this policy
It is essential that this safeguarding policy is read, understood, and practiced by all those involved in the delivery of Mission Housing’s activities.

   i. Staff, volunteers, and consultants

   ii. Board Members

iii.    Contractors

2) Understanding abuse and neglect

c. Defining abuse
Defining child abuse or abuse against an adult is a difficult and complex issue. A person may abuse by inflicting harm or failing to prevent harm. Children and adults at risk, may be abused 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.

Mission Housing adheres to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and have as our starting point as a definition of abuse, Article 19:

1. States Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social, and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment, or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.

2. Such protective measures should, as appropriate, include effective procedures for the establishment of social programmes to provide necessary support for the child and for those who have the care of the child, as well as for other forms of prevention and for identification, reporting, referral, investigation, treatment, and follow-up of instances of child maltreatment described heretofore, and, as appropriate, for judicial involvement.

Also, for adults the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights with particular reference to Article 5: No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

d. Definitions of abuse
Abuse comes in many forms:

 i. Physical Abuse
The infliction of pain or physical injury, which is either caused deliberately, or through lack of care to a child under your care.

ii. Sexual Abuse
Forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening, with or without physical contact.  This includes producing or watching sexual activities and “grooming” (preparing for abuse).

iii. Psychological or Emotional Abuse
Persistent emotional ill treatment, including rejection, bullying and witnessing the ill-treatment of another (e.g. domestic violence), causing severe and persistent adverse effects on a child’s emotional development.

iv. Neglect and Abandonment
The persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development; failure to provide adequate food, clothing and shelter, supervision, or medical care. Severe neglect might lead to abandonment.

v. Spiritual Abuse
Spiritual abuse is linked with other forms of abuse, and could be defined as 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. 

3) Prevention

a. Safer recruitment          
Mission Housing will ensure all workers are appropriately recruited as well as trained, supported and supervised to ensure that they uphold the principles of safeguarding outlined in this policy. This includes ensuring that:

i.      There is a clear application process and those appointed are suitably qualified for their roles.

ii.      An application form is completed, CVs should not be used.

iii.     Shortlisting is carried out against clear criteria.

iv.      There is a face-to-face (in-person or online) interview.

v.      References obtained and followed up where appropriate.

vi.      Where necessary, DBS checks will be obtained.

vii.     Those appointed have been given a clear understanding of their responsibilities in relation to child and adult safeguarding and the principles of non-discrimination. The process will ensure that they have expressed their commitment to these principles prior to appointment.

viii.    Successful applicants are expected to sign a Code of Conduct that outlines the standards of behaviour expected of themselves and others.

ix.      Suitable induction training is provided for successful applicants, that includes safeguarding training. This will include reading a copy of this safeguarding policy and confirming it has been understood.

x.      Successful applicants will complete a probation period.

b. Safeguarding culture
Mission Housing is committed to creating a culture that is proactive at ensuring the safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk. This includes (but is not limited to):  

i.     Ongoing training and professional development in relation to safeguarding.

ii.    Strict adherence to the organisation’s Code of Conduct.

iii.   All staff, volunteers and consultants will have the appropriate supervision.

iv.   Regular team meetings where ideas and issues can be discussion, concerns expressed and feedback given.

v.    Promote the importance of safeguarding in our work with tenants, shared owners, churches and organisations (see 3c).

vi.   Ensuring there is a mechanism in place for workers to be able to raise legitimate concerns about other workers, with impunity (see Whistleblowing Policy).

c. Applicants
When assessing applications whether potential shared owners, tenants, partner churches / organisations, or beneficiaries of the Housing Support Fund, Mission Housing makes all reasonable effort to ensure that they have appropriate accountability structures in place. This includes – but is not limited to – safeguarding policies and procedures. At least two references are obtained.

d. Under-18s 
Mission Housing does not provide housing services to under-18s. However, there are children living in many of Mission Housing’s properties – that is because their parent or guardian is a Mission Housing shared-owner or tenant. Mission Housing Community Houses – including those we manage on behalf of others – do not have occupants who are under-18.  

e. Visiting properties
When visiting properties, we always ensure that there will be a responsible adult to let us in and be present for the duration of our visit. If we have permission, or the right, to let ourselves into a property we will ensure that there will be no children (without adult supervision there). We recognise that we may recognise signs of abuse or neglect during a property visit (see 4a-c).

f. Vulnerable and at-risk tenants / shareowners  
Mission Housing tenants / shareowners may be vulnerable or at-risk adults – or become so in the future. We are committed to working constructively with all services (statutory and informal) who are providing support, while ensuring that the rights of the individual are respected.

We endeavour to go ‘above-and-beyond’ in ensuring that their property is suitable for their needs and wherever reasonably possible, will be flexible and generous in reducing or extending tenancy periods – to best meet the needs of the individual.

We are a small housing provider, so our options to move someone into another, more suitable, Mission Housing property is likely to be limited.

g. Working with contractors
Mission Housing commits to take all reasonable measures to ensure high safeguarding standards of the contractors we use. This will include ensuring they are able to comply to the standards outlined in this policy – drawing particular attention to 3e. Where a tenant is an adult at risk, we will always offer for a representative of Mission Housing to be on site while a contractor is present.

h. Lenders and donors 
Mission Housing commits to doing everything we reasonably can to ensure that lenders and donors are making a loan or donation without coercion, within their means, and with a sound mind.

If we have concerns, we will err on the side of caution and endeavour to ascertain more information – while recognising the need to respect the rights and privacy of the individual and act in a non-discriminatory manner.

We have the right to refuse a loan application or donation.

If an individual making a loan has a power of attorney, it will not be possible for them to make a loan without the knowledge and authorisation of their power of attorney.

The loan terms and conditions make an allowance for the possibility of lenders being able to have their loan repaid early in exceptional circumstances (evidence of severe financial hardship of the lender). Mission Housing would consider an adult at risk as having an exceptional circumstance.

4) Responding to allegations or suspicions of abuse

We recognise that as a housing provider, we are in a position where we may identify signs of abuse. If we suspect abuse, we will follow the procedures outlined in this section. Under no circumstances should a worker carry out their own investigation into an allegation or suspicion of abuse.

a. Responding to allegations or suspicions of abuse
The person in receipt of allegations or suspicions of abuse should report concerns as soon as possible to Judi Feasey, Operations Manager (Safeguarding Coordinator) 020 8159 9087, who is nominated by the Board of Directors to act on their behalf in dealing with the allegation or suspicion of neglect or abuse, including referring the matter to the statutory authorities.

In the absence of the Safeguarding Coordinator or, if the allegation or suspicion in any way involves the Safeguarding Coordinator, then the report should be made to Phil Green, CEO, 07984 403498.

If the allegation or suspicion implicates both the Safeguarding Coordinator and CEO, the report should be made in the first instance to: Thirtyone:eight, 0303 003 11 11. Alternatively contact your local Children’s or Adult Social Services or the Police. 

Where the concern is about a child the Safeguarding Coordinator should contact the relevant Children’s Social Services (depending on the geographic location of the incident). Where the concern is regarding an adult at risk, contact Adult Social Services.

Where required the Safeguarding Coordinator should then immediately inform the Chair of the Board, Adrian Greenwood, 07803 851613.

Suspicions must not be discussed with anyone other than those nominated above. A written record of the concerns should be made in accordance with the 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 Coordinator or the CEO / Chair of the Board, should not delay referral to Social Services, the Police, or taking advice from Thirtyone:eight.

The Board of Directors will support the Safeguarding Coordinator 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.

The role of the Safeguarding Coordinator is to collate and clarify the precise details of the allegations or suspicions and pass this information on to statutory agencies who have a legal duty to investigate. It is not the role of the Safeguarding Coordinator to investigate allegations and concerns.

The Operations Manager must consider any duty regarding informing Mission Housing’s insurers and regulators of offences by staff and volunteers.

It is, of course, the right of any individual as a citizen to make a direct referral to the safeguarding agencies or seek advice from Thirtyone:eight. Although Mission Housing expects staff and volunteers will use this procedure, if an individual with the concern feels that Mission Housing has not responded appropriately, or where they have a disagreement with the appropriateness of a referral, they are free to contact an outside agency directly. We hope by making this statement that Mission Housing demonstrates its commitment to effective safeguarding and the protection of all those who are vulnerable.

b. Procedure for when there is concern about the welfare of a child
If a child has a physical injury, or symptom of neglect or where there are concerns about emotional abuse, the Safeguarding Coordinator will:

  • Contact Children’s Social Services (or Thirtyone:eight) for advice in cases of deliberate injury, if concerned about a child’s safety, or if a child is afraid to return home.

  • Not tell the parents or carers unless advised to do so, having contacted Children’s Social Services.

    Seek medical help if needed urgently, informing the doctor of any suspicions.

  • For lesser concerns (e.g. poor parenting), encouraging parent / carer to seek help, but not if this places the child at risk of significant harm.

  • Where the parent / carer is unwilling to seek help, offer to accompany them. In case of real concern, if they still fail to act, contact Children’s Social Services directly for advice.

  • Seek and follow advice given by Thirtyone:eight (who will confirm their advice in writing) if unsure whether or not to refer a case to Children’s Social Services.

In the event of allegations or suspicions of sexual abuse, the Safeguarding Coordinator will:

  • Contact the Children’s Social Services Department Duty Social Worker for children and families or Police Child Protection Team direct. They will NOT speak to the parent / carer or anyone else.

  • If for any reason they are unsure whether or not to contact Children’s Social Services / Police, they will seek and follow the advice given by Thirtyone:eight. Thirtyone:eight will confirm their advice in writing.

c. Procedure for when there is concern about the welfare of an adult at risk
If an adult at risk has a physical injury or symptom of sexual abuse the safeguarding coordinator will:

  • Discuss any concerns with the individual themselves giving due regard to autonomy, privacy, and rights to lead an independent life.

  • If the adult at risk is in immediate danger or has sustained a serious injury contact the Emergency Services, informing them of any suspicions.

For advice contact the Adult Social Care safeguarding team who have responsibility under the Care Act 2014 to make enquiries into any adult at risk of being abused or neglected. Alternatively, the Thirtyone:eight Helpline can be contacted for advice.

d. Pastoral care
Mission Housing recognises the importance of pastoral care for those affected by abuse. We are not positioned to provide pastoral care but will do everything that is reasonably possible to ensure that individuals affected by abuse are able to access appropriate pastoral care. This could include contacting Thirtyone:eight who may be able to suggest organisations or individuals who may be able to assist further.

5) Adoption of the policy

This policy was approved by Mission Housing’s Board of Directors on 27 January 2022 and is publicly available on the Mission Housing website.

This policy will be reviewed annually, with revisions clearly communicated to all mentioned in section 1b.