Safeguarding Statement

As such we are committed to:

1)        Everyone being treated with equal dignity. 

Discrimination by people on the grounds of age, gender, disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, colour, parental or marital status, family, tribe, religious belief, class, wealth or social background, sexual preference or political belief is not in keeping with the teaching of the Bible and is completely inappropriate.

This is manifest by respecting the rights, worth, opinions and contributions of others when making decisions.

2)        The promotion of a safe environment where:  

a. Abuse of any nature (physical, emotional, neglect, sexual or spiritual) is neither tolerated nor able to take place.

           b. Bullying of any kind is neither tolerated nor able to take place.

Bullying can include:

i.        Exclusion from a group or activity

ii.       Intimidation

iii.      Extortion

c. Harassment is neither tolerated nor allowed to take place.

Harassment is unwelcome conduct whether intended or not, which is likely to make another person feel offended, belittled, threatened which may occur through a single incident or a series of incidents over a period of time.

Harassment can include:

i.      Unwelcome physical contact

ii.    Unwelcome comments with sexual overtones or suggestions

iii.  Gestures or language that could give offence including gossip, coarse jokes or unwarranted tone or shouting.

iv.  Unjustified or unnecessary comments about a person’s attributes or abilities.

3)        If working with or relating to a vulnerable adult or anyone under the age of 18 years:

Avoiding any situation where there is a risk of allegations being made. This includes:

·        Not smoking, drinking of alcohol or using banned substances.

·        Not providing these people with alcohol, nicotine or banned substances.

·        Always working in an open environment. This means avoiding private or unobserved situations.

·        Avoiding all physical contact unless this is strictly necessary to prevent immediate harm to the person concerned.

·        Not engaging in any form of sexually related contact, gestures or language.

·        Not directly messaging via email, text or social media platforms. (If necessary as part of the activities of LWI messages should be directed to the parents / guardians and the young person with the consent of both parties, or via open forums with appropriate language and content.) 

4)        When working with a member of the opposite sex (who is not a spouse or other close family member).

Avoiding any situation where there is a risk of allegations being made. This includes:

·        Avoiding touch of any kind unless socially necessary or strictly necessary to prevent immediate harm to the person concerned.

·        Avoiding spending excessive amounts of time alone together and instead wherever possible, work in an open observed environment.

·        Avoiding conversation, language or gestures that might imply the desire for an intimate relationship.

·        Being mindful of third parties and the avoidance of anything that might lead to their perception of anything as inappropriate.

Recruitment of Staff /Appointment of Trustees

Living Word International is committed to safely recruiting, training and supporting all staff / trustees with any responsibility for children, young people or vulnerable adults so that they have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.

Taking action

The responsibility to report any observed breach, or concern about a possible breach of this Code of Conduct lies with every Trustee, Board member, Staff member and Volunteer at Living Word International.

The reporting of any concerns should be made via the “Contact” page on the website.

Issues pertaining to criminal actions, will be reported to the Police as required by law in the country where the alleged criminal action has taken place.

Should a safeguarding concern or allegation be made Living Word International is committed to:

• Listening to and taking seriously all those who disclose abuse.
• Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
• Caring pastorally where possible and appropriate for victims / survivors ofabuse and other affected persons.
• Responding to those who may pose a present risk to others.