Wellsprings Together seeks to enable faith in action, transforming communities together across the Anglican Diocese of Leeds to see the flourishing of all who live there. Wellsprings Together has a strategic focus to support faith communities in social engagement, resourcing parish churches and facilitating increased levels of community cohesion across differences of faith and ethnicity.

Our Values    Dignity - Generosity- Relationships - Flourishing 

We acknowledge the inherent, indisputable value of each person and our hope is for individuals and communities to flourish. We work in partnership and seek to inspire and enable pathways towards freedom, agency and justice, now and for the future.

Paramount to our values is that the flourishing of children, young people and vulnerable adults is vital; we recognise that it is the responsibility of all. Wellsprings Together is committed to promoting safe practice and to protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm and ensuring their wellbeing. 

Safeguarding Statement

Wellsprings Together will take all reasonable care to ensure the safety of the children, young people and vulnerable adults for whom it bears responsibility. We will:

• Follow the Church of England and the Diocese of Leeds policies and guidance relating to safeguarding which are informed by the government’s legislative framework, setting out a range of safeguarding duties, responsibilities and best practice.
• Work in accordance with the recommendations of the House of Bishops as published in the Policy for Promoting a Safer Church (2017), Safeguarding Children Protecting All God’s Children (2010) and Promoting a Safe Church (2006)
• Implement the requirements of all relevant legislation including, but not limited to; Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018, the Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005, Equality Act 2010 and referring concerns about adults with care and support needs to the local authority under the Care Act 2014. 
• Ensure full compliance with Health and Safety Guidelines.
• Appoint a nominated Safeguarding Lead who is the point of contact for safeguarding concerns and is responsible for passing concerns to the relevant agency. They are also responsible to the Trustees for ensuring that these procedures are implemented. The Safeguarding Lead will advise the Chair of the Trustees who will maintain a register of all groups which include children, young people, and vulnerable adults for whom the Board has direct responsibility.
• Recruit staff and trustees in line with safer recruitment principles and practice including the use of disclosures and clearance with the Disclosure and Barring service.
• Provide access to guidance and safeguarding training and regularly reviewing those who undertake work with children, young people and adults so that all staff and volunteers know about and follow our policies and procedures confidently and competently; providing clear guidelines for avoiding situations where children, young people and vulnerable adults could be in danger.
• Promote a culture of ‘informed vigilance’ as to the dangers of abuse, recognising that it is the responsibility of each of us to prevent the physical, emotional, sexual, financial and spiritual abuse of children, young people and adults and to report any such abuse we discover or suspect. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. 
• Respond to any disclosures made which suggests that a child, young person or adult may have been harmed or is in danger, without delay, people reporting any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead, the Diocese of Leeds Safeguarding Team or Children’s services. Where an allegation suggests that a criminal offence may have been committed or a child is at immediate risk of harm, then the police are to be contacted as a matter of urgency. 
• Work in partnership with churches and partner organisations to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults
• Record, store and use information professionally and securely in line with data protection legislation and guidance 
• Endeavour to keep up to date with national developments relating to the welfare of children, young people and adults. 

The Wellsprings Together Board will review the implementation of this policy and its procedures annually.

This policy and its procedures will be also monitored by the Safeguarding Lead who will provide a report to the Board annually.

The Board will carry public liability insurance and will insure all staff for personal accidents.

Wellsprings Together appoints Siaa-Liane Mathurin Chief Officer as Safeguarding Lead.

Approved by Wellsprings Together Board of Trustees on: 12/12/2024

Date of Review by Trustees: 30/06/2026

Notes: 

1.  Any concerns about safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults, can be raised with the Safeguarding Lead, Chief Officer, may be contacted on team@wellspringstogether.org.uk or Leeds Diocesan Safeguarding Team safeguarding@leeds.anglican.org tel: 0113 353 0257 or local Children and Adult Services or in an emergency the police tel: 101 
2. References to the above documentation are available on: https://www.leeds.anglican.org/safe-diocesan-policy-guidance and https://www.gov.uk/topic/schools-colleges-childrens-services/safeguarding-children

Appendix

Wellsprings Together - Safeguarding Procedures

If a child, young person or adult is at immediate risk of significant harm, you should always contact the local police (call 101) or your local social services team. You must then inform the Wellsprings Together Named Safeguarding Lead.

1.0. Employment and Volunteering

1. 1. Safer Recruitment 

Wellsprings Together has a clear process for recruiting staff, volunteers which must be adhered to: 

• All new members of staff (paid and unpaid) should be clear about their roles and responsibilities and work to an agreed job description. 
• Staff working with children, young people, and vulnerable adults must be aged 18 or over; under 18s may assist with leadership roles but must be supervised at all times by a suitably qualified adult.
• Applicants (paid and unpaid) for posts must complete a Confidential Diocese of Leeds Safeguarding Declaration which asks whether they have any criminal convictions, cautions, other legal restrictions or pending cases that might affect their suitability to work with children.
• Applicants for posts will be required to provide two references 
• The candidate’s identity must provide photographic ID which will be checked at interview. The candidate’s relevant qualifications are also checked. 
• Before appointment, or continuation of employment, appointees will need to apply for and supply clearance from the Disclosure & Barring Service where this is a requirement of their role.
• All appointments to work with children and/or vulnerable adults are subject to a probationary period; 
• Everyone working with children and/or vulnerable adults must be committed to safeguarding and must attend basic safeguarding training as part of an induction process and thereafter every two years. 
• A copy of the organisation’s safeguarding procedures and a job description are provided on appointment. 
• Completed declaration forms and references will be confidential to and securely held by the Chair of the Trustees.

1.2. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Where needed DBS checks will be carried out prior to appointment and every five years thereafter. 

1.3. Safeguarding Training  

All staff and volunteers will complete safeguarding training as part of our induction process and refresher training thereafter. Training will be repeated every three years. All staff, trustees and volunteers must be familiar with our Safeguarding Policy and Procedures and will be required to confirm that they have read and understood these. 

2.0. Named Safeguarding Person

2.1. The Safeguarding Lead is Chief Officer and they are responsible for acting as a channel for any child protection or safeguarding concerns. The role and responsibilities of the Safeguarding Lead include: 

• To provide advice and support to staff and volunteers who have concerns about a child or 
  vulnerable adult at risk of or suffering from abuse. 
• To ensure all staff are aware of what they should do and who they should go to if they are 
  concerned a child/young person is subject to abuse or neglect. 
• To ensure any concerns about a child/young person are acted on immediately and clearly 
  recorded. 
• To inform the Diocesan Safeguarding Lead (DSL) about any concerns. 
• To record any reported incidents or breach of safeguarding policies and procedures. This will be 
  stored in the safeguarding file and its contents will be kept confidential and secure. 
• To refer any concerns, allegations or cases to the Diocesan DSL or Children’s or Adult’s Social Care or the police (where there is an immediate risk of harm) 
• To refer persons dismissed/leaving due to risk or harm to a child/ vulnerable adult to the Disclosure and Barring Service. 
• To ensure safeguarding policies are known, understood and used appropriately by staff and 
  volunteers, reviewed annually with the Board of Trustees and are available publicly. 
  • Listen carefully, without interrupting, to what the young person or adult has to say and take it seriously. Stay calm, acknowledge you have heard them. 

2.2 Staff working in partner organisation settings will operate under the organisation’s own policy and procedures for safeguarding. Staff must know who the designated person is within that organisation. 

 

3. What to do in the event of disclosures or concerns  

Note: Wellsprings Together staff may be visitors at a church or school; nonetheless disclosure might occur. 
 

3.1 Disclosure by a child 
It is important that any allegations are treated extremely seriously. Never think that someone else may be dealing with it. If a member of staff, volunteer or trustee receives information that a child or vulnerable adult may be at risk of, or experiencing harm, the following processes must be followed: 

• Provide reassurance and comfort. Reassure them that it is right to tell someone. 
• Do not agree to keep secrets but do reassure the young person or adult that information will only be shared with the appropriate person – be specific about whom and why. 
• Immediately afterwards record the facts and sign and date. Use actual words given, date 
  and time, any names mentioned. 
• Has a child made an allegation/ disclosure of abuse? If so, inform the Church Safeguarding 
  Officer (if in a church), Wellsprings Together Safeguarding Lead or the DSL as soon as possible who will decide on the action to be taken. If the child or anyone is at immediate risk of harm ring 101. 
• Pass on your notes to the church safeguarding officer and/or the Wellsprings Together Safeguarding Lead. 
• Please respect confidentiality and ensure that the notes are held securely until they can be passed on appropriately. 
• In the event that you make a report to Social Care, request a contact name so that church 
  safeguarding officer can follow up. Request also that they inform you of what they have done 
  within 48 hours. 
• Debrief and seek support. 
  Note: Social Care and the Police have the powers to investigate allegations of abuse. It is part of their function to decide when to investigate. It is not the role of the person who hears the disclosure.  

3.2. Managing allegations against a Wellsprings Together member of staff or volunteer 

• Wellsprings Together will ensure any allegations made against a member of staff or Wellsprings Together volunteer will be dealt with swiftly and in accordance with these procedures: The Safeguarding Lead at Wellsprings Together should be informed immediately. In the case of an allegation involving the Safeguarding Lead, the matter should be referred to the Chair of Trustees. 
• The Safeguarding Lead should contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and Police. 
• The Safeguarding Lead should seek advice from the DSL as appropriate about how much information should be disclosed to the accused person. 
• Subject to restrictions on the information that can be shared, (i.e., follow the instructions of Police 
  or LADO), the employer should, as soon as possible, inform the person accused about the nature of the allegation; how enquiries will be conducted and the possible outcome (e.g. disciplinary action, and dismissal or referral to the DBS and/or regulatory body where required). 
• The individual who first received/witnessed the allegation should make a full written record of what was seen, heard and/or told, as soon as possible after observing the incident/receiving the report. It is important the report is an accurate description and is signed and dated. This report must be made available on request from the statutory authorities. 
• Duty of Care to child/young person: the Safeguarding Lead should follow up what happens to any referral made by the organisation. 
• For concerns relating to adults, Adult Social Care will be contacted. 
• Regardless of whether the statutory authorities investigate, Wellsprings Together will ensure an internal investigation takes place and consideration is given to the operation of disciplinary procedures. This may involve an immediate suspension and/or ultimate dismissal, dependent on the nature of the incident. 
• Wellsprings Together has a legal duty to make a referral to the DBS in cases when an employer has dismissed or removed a person from working with children or vulnerable adults (or would or may have done so if the person had not lea or resigned) because of concerns over their behaviour. 
• In such cases, a report will also be made to the Charity Commission, as they deem such a referral to be a ‘serious incident’ and therefore require notification. 

3.3. Concerns about a vulnerable adult 

• Wellsprings Together safeguarding concerns about a vulnerable adult at a local church should be reported to the local church minister, (with the individual’s consent if they have raised the concern) and the local church safeguarding officer, who will gather information and the desired outcomes of the adult. At other times concerns must be reported to the WT Safeguarding Lead and to the Diocesan DSL. 
• If immediate action is required to ensure safety and welfare of the adult, phone 999 for ambulance or police as appropriate. 
• If a crime needs to be reported, seek the adult’s permission - dial 101 if there is no immediate risk or 999 if there is an urgent risk. 
• Ensure key people are informed. 

3.4. Inappropriate behaviour by children towards adults 

Children or young people can sometimes make suggestive approaches to an adult or act inappropriately because of previous experiences. The behaviour may be a “cry for help”. If an adult feels uncomfortable about a child or young person’s behaviour he or she must – 

• Make it clear to the child or young person, with sensitivity, that their language or behaviour is inappropriate. 
• Speak with the Safeguarding Lead. Agree what measures should be taken to prevent a recurrence. 
• Record the incident in case accusations are made in the future. Sign and date the record and ensure it is placed with other confidential records. 

4. Recording and Managing Confidential Information

• In all matters relating to Safeguarding the highest degree of confidentiality must be maintained. However, this must be balanced against the need to protect from abuse. 
• Those who disclose abuse need to know that the information will be passed on to the Safeguarding Lead, the DSL and the appropriate statutory agency, either Social Care or the Police so that it can be investigated, and the necessary help obtained. 
• Information must not be passed on to any other individual or organisations. 
• If there is a conflict of interest between the needs of a child, who is suspected of suffering abuse, and the needs of an adult, the welfare of the child is paramount. 

You must never promise confidentiality to a child before they tell you something. If they ask for confidentiality you must make it clear that if they tell you something that puts them or someone else at risk, then you will have to pass that information onto somebody else. 

We are committed to manage all confidential information safely, following our Data Protection policy. 

5. Health and Safety

The physical environment in which we care for people is extremely important. Risk assessments will therefore be completed for all sessions which Wellsprings Together runs outside a local church setting. Within the church setting we will adhere to the local church health and safety policy. 

 

6. Safe working practices

6.1. Work with young people and vulnerable adults should be organised so as to minimise situations where abuse may occur. This not only protects children/young people but also reduces the likelihood of false allegations being made against leaders. 

Churches that invite Wellsprings Together are expected to have good working practices in place, and these must include: 

• Group leaders must work as a team and there should be at least two leaders at any group activity. Always aim to work within sight of another adult.
• All single gender groups must have at least one leader of the same gender. 
• A register of young people with name, address and telephone number should be maintained 
  for Wellsprings Together groups. 
• Parents should be informed of start and finishing times. These should be adhered to. 
• Leaders should always promote good practice and safety. Leaders should not arrange to 
  meet children away from the usual group meeting place without another adult or parent 
  being present. 
• The premises used should be safe and secure so that strangers cannot gain access without 
  leaders being aware. The suitability of the premises and equipment used should be assessed 
  according to guidelines in the church Health and Safety policy. 
• Key telephone numbers including the Safeguarding Lead for Child Protection should be clearly displayed within church buildings or any premises where sessions take place regularly. 
• Concerns about possible abuse should always be reported in accordance with the guidelines. 
• Appropriately recommended adult child ratios should be observed at all times. With groups of mixed gender there should be both male and female workers where possible, and it is recommended that wherever possible one of the leaders should be female. 

Age Group                        Staff                    Children

0-2 years                           1 for every         3

2-3 years                           1 for every         4

3-5 years                           1 for every         6

5-8 years                           1 for every         8

Over 8 years                     1 for the first 8 children and then 1 for every additional 12 every 3
 

However, on no account should an adult be by themselves. Staffing ratios with all age groups should always take account of the need and nature of the group. 

6.2. Use of the internet, mobile phones and cameras 

• If photographs are used on a website, staff will need to check whether parents have signed a consent form for the relevant event/activity. Young people’s names will not be displayed with these images. 
• Images that staff may have taken during sessions on personal camera phones need to be uploaded to the server and deleted from their device at the earliest opportunity – preferably within 3 days. 
• Staff should not use e-mail or text messages to communicate with children and young people. 
  
   

6.3. Social media 

6.3.1 General points to be observed regarding all social media: 

• Staff should not post photos of young people on their personal social media accounts e.g., Instagram / Facebook / Twitter etc. 
• Staff should never comment on a young person or their family through their social media account. 
• Appointed members of staff will promote and oversee safe and responsible use of our social media and networking with our audience on-line. 
• We advise all staff and volunteers to be vigilant about what they communicate through any social media account. 

7.0 Additional guidelines for specific children’s activities and groups 

• Wellsprings Together staff in church settings will operate under the church's own policy and procedures for safeguarding; likewise in school or partner organisation settings. Wellsprings Together staff must know who the Safeguarding Lead(s) is within the church, school or partner organisation they are working in.
• Cars: Wellsprings Together staff are not required to use their cars to transport young people in the course of their work. They should decline any request to do so. 
• Home visits: Wellsprings Together staff are not required to make home visits to young people and should decline to do so. 
• Residentials: All appropriate risk assessments must be in in place and appropriate parental consent, health and safety and safeguarding measures advised by the Diocese of Leeds safeguarding team  adhered to.
• Small youth groups: There must always be two adults present in the room where a group involving under 18’s takes place. Where single sex groups operate, there will be an adult of that sex present. At mixed sex groups at least one adult of each sex must be present or on call. 
• Schools work: Wellsprings Together staff in school settings will operate under the school's own policy and procedures for safeguarding. Wellsprings Together staff must know who the Safeguarding Officer is within the school. Any disclosures and concerns should be referred to the Safeguarding Officer within school in the first instance. Advice can be sought from our Safeguarding Lead, who should be informed that a report has been made within school (without breaching confidentiality of the young person). This allows for the worker to be supported. Disclosures should be recorded appropriately. 
  
   

8.0 Information Sharing 

Information sharing between organisations is essential to safeguard those at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation.  Decisions about what information is shared and with whom, will be taken on a case-by-case basis. Whether information is shared with or without the adult at risk’s consent, the information shared should be: 

• necessary for the purpose for which it is being shared
• shared only with those who have a need for it
• be accurate and up to date
• be shared in a timely fashion 
• be shared securely

Wellsprings Together staff should always record the reasons for their decision – whether it is to share information or not. Where information or records are passed to others it should be noted and confirmed in writing. Where information is requested by telephone or electronically care must be taken to ensure that the recipient is entitled to receive the information requested and this will be done in a secure and confidential way. Where there is any doubt, the information may not be provided without the approval of a manager. 

Advice should be sought from local information sharing leads and reference made to local Safeguarding Adults Board Information-Sharing Protocols where they apply. 

9.0 Named Person for Safeguarding 

The Trustees have appointed an individual who is responsible for dealing with any safeguarding concerns. If you are concerned that someone might be at risk or is actually suffering abuse, you should tell the Safeguarding Lead for safeguarding. 

In their absence, a Trustee with Safeguarding oversight will be available for staff to consult with. We advise that the following numbers are saved to staff mobile phones, for ease of access. 

WT Safeguarding Lead: Chief Officer Tel: 0113 3530294 

Other useful contacts 

Leeds Diocesan Designated Safeguarding Lead safeguarding@leeds.anglican.org Tel: 0113 353 0257 

In an emergency, Police Tel: 101