Hope Church West Bromwich · Registered Charity No. 1052769 · Updated February 2026
Hope Church is a Pentecostal church that seeks to provide a safe and caring environment for all who attend. The Christian faith is expressed in all that we do. Our activities include regular worship services, midweek children's group, youth group, and junior church.
As a Leadership, we recognise the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children, young people, and adults. We acknowledge that children, young people, and adults can be victims of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and neglect.
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.
We also concur with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that children should be able to develop their full potential, free from hunger and want, neglect and abuse. They have a right to be protected from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, whilst in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s), or any other person who has care of the child.
As a Leadership, we have therefore adopted the procedures set out in this safeguarding policy in accordance with statutory guidance. We are committed to building constructive links with statutory and voluntary agencies involved in safeguarding.
The policy and attached practice guidelines are based on the ten Safe and Secure safeguarding standards published by thirtyone:eight (formerly the Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service) and prepared in consultation with Hope Church Leadership.
The Leadership undertakes to:
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 in need of protection may be abused within a family, an institution, or a community setting. Very often the abuser is known to or in a trusted relationship with the child or adult.
The following definitions operate in England based on the government guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023 update). Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm or by failing to act to prevent harm.
Physical AbusePhysical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child.
Emotional AbuseEmotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child's emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them, or making fun of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone.
Sexual AbuseSexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at or in the production of sexual images, watching sexual activities, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males.
NeglectNeglect is 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. This may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, clothing and shelter; protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger; ensure adequate supervision; or ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.
Child Sexual ExploitationChild sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate, or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.
Child Criminal ExploitationChild criminal exploitation occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate, or deceive a child into criminal activity. This may include county lines exploitation.
Extremism and RadicalisationExtremism goes beyond terrorism and includes people who target the vulnerable — including the young — by seeking to sow division between communities on the basis of race, faith, or denomination; justify discrimination towards women and girls; persuade others that minorities are inferior; or argue against the primacy of democracy and the rule of law in our society.
Online Safety ActThe Online Safety Act 2023 establishes a statutory framework to improve online safety, particularly for children, requiring platforms to assess risks, remove illegal content, and implement measures to reduce harm. Compliance is overseen by Ofcom. While the Act primarily applies to technology companies, our church aligns its online ministry with these strengthened safeguarding standards.
Spiritual AbuseSpiritual abuse occurs when a person in a position of spiritual authority or influence deliberately or recklessly manipulates or controls a child, undermining their spiritual, emotional, or psychological well-being. This can include using scripture, prayer, or religious belief to intimidate, dominate, isolate, or exploit, resulting in harm to the individual's sense of autonomy, dignity, or faith.
GroomingGrooming is the deliberate act of establishing an emotional connection with a child, or their family, in order to manipulate, exploit, or abuse them. This may involve gaining trust, giving gifts, offering special attention, or isolating the individual, with the intent of sexual, emotional, or other forms of abuse. Grooming can occur online or in person.
The following information relates to the safeguarding of adults as defined in the Care Act 2014. The safeguarding duties apply to an adult who: has needs for care and support; is experiencing, or is 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.
Physical AbuseIncluding assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication, restraint, or inappropriate physical sanctions.
Domestic Violence and AbuseIncluding psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and emotional abuse; so-called 'honour'-based violence; and coercive control.
Sexual AbuseIncluding 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 AbuseIncluding emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyberbullying, isolation, or unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal of services or supportive networks.
Financial or Material AbuseIncluding 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 SlaveryEncompasses 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 AbuseIncluding forms of harassment, slurs, or similar treatment because of race, gender and gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.
Organisational AbuseIncluding neglect and poor care practice within an institution or specific care setting such as a hospital or care home, or in relation to care provided in one's own home.
Neglect and Acts of OmissionIncluding ignoring medical, emotional, or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, care, and support or educational services, and the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition, and heating.
Self-NeglectThis covers a wide range of behaviour, including neglecting to care for one's personal hygiene, health, or surroundings, and includes behaviour such as hoarding.
Spiritual AbuseSpiritual abuse occurs when a person in a position of spiritual authority or influence deliberately or recklessly manipulates or controls an adult at risk, undermining their spiritual, emotional, or psychological well-being. This can include using scripture, prayer, or religious belief to intimidate, dominate, isolate, or exploit.
GroomingGrooming is the deliberate act of establishing an emotional connection with an adult at risk, or their family, in order to manipulate, exploit, or abuse them. This may involve gaining trust, giving gifts, offering special attention, or isolating the individual. Grooming can occur online or in person.
Under no circumstances should a worker carry out their own investigation into an allegation or suspicion of abuse.
Follow these procedures:
It is the right of any individual as a citizen to make a direct referral to safeguarding agencies or seek advice from thirtyone:eight. If an individual feels that the Safeguarding Coordinator/Deputy has not responded appropriately, they are free to contact an outside agency directly.
When someone wishes to disclose abuse:
Helpful responses: "You have done the right thing in telling me." · "I am glad you have told me." · "I will try to help you."
Do not say: "Why didn't you tell anyone before?" · "I can't believe it!" · "Are you sure this is true?" · "Why? How? When? Who? Where?"
If an accusation is made against a worker (whether volunteer or paid staff) at Hope Church, they will be suspended without prejudice until the investigation is concluded. The Safeguarding Coordinator will make a referral in accordance with Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) procedures, liaising with Children's Social Services or Adult Social Services as appropriate, and making a referral to a Safeguarding Adviser (SA) / Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
After the investigation is concluded, the Safeguarding Coordinator may need to inform the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) about the person's suitability for working with children or adults with care and support needs.
The Leadership is committed to ongoing safeguarding training and development opportunities for all workers, developing a culture of awareness of safeguarding issues to help protect everyone. All workers will receive relevant training and undertake recognised safeguarding training when necessary, either through in-house training, online courses provided by thirtyone:eight, or attending thirtyone:eight training events.
The Leadership will also ensure that children and adults are provided with information on where to get help and advice in relation to abuse, discrimination, bullying, or any other matter where they have a concern.
The Leadership will ensure all workers are appointed, trained, supported, and supervised in accordance with government guidance on safe recruitment. This includes ensuring that:
As a Leadership, we are committed to supporting all workers and ensuring they receive appropriate support and supervision. All workers will be issued with standards for children's and youth workers (see Appendix 3), which identify the expected standards. All workers will be required to sign their agreement to operate within these standards, and this will be regularly reviewed.
The Leadership undertakes to follow the principles found within government guidance on 'Abuse of Trust', and it is therefore unacceptable for those in a position of trust to engage in any behaviour that might allow a sexual or inappropriate relationship to develop for as long as the relationship of trust continues.
The Leadership is committed to offering pastoral care, working with statutory agencies as appropriate, and support to all those who have been affected by abuse who have contact with or are part of Hope Church. This support will be provided through the pastoral care team, professional counselling agencies, and appropriate specific services tailored to individual circumstances.
When someone attending Hope Church is known to have abused children or is known to be a risk to adults with care and support needs, the Leadership will supervise the individual concerned and offer pastoral care, but in its safeguarding commitment will set boundaries for that person which they will be expected to keep.
To manage any risk to children, young people, and adults with care and support needs, a clear policy and code of behaviour will be drawn up that the individual must follow. A safeguarding contract will be devised with the offender that gives clear boundaries they will be expected to keep. It will also include the support that the church leadership will offer them. This will be tailored specifically to individual circumstances.
As a church working with children, young people, and adults with care and support needs, we wish to operate and promote good working practice. This will enable workers to run activities safely, develop good relationships, and minimise the risk of false accusation. Key principles include:
We have clear guidelines regarding our expectations of those with whom we work in partnership, whether in the UK or internationally. We will discuss safeguarding expectations with all partners and maintain partnership agreements for safeguarding. It is also our expectation that any organisation using our premises will, as part of the letting agreement, have their own safeguarding policy that meets thirtyone:eight standards.
Safeguarding information is displayed on church noticeboards and includes helpline telephone numbers. This policy is available on the church website and in the church office. The safeguarding policy is reviewed annually and updated as necessary.
This policy was approved by the Hope Church Leadership and is reviewed annually.
| Policy approved by | Hope Church Leadership |
| Next review date | February 2027 |
| Safeguarding support | thirtyone:eight |
| Charity number | 1052769 |
Hope Church follows the ten safeguarding standards set by thirtyone:eight:
The Leadership recognises the importance of its ministry and work with children, young people, and adults in need of protection, and its responsibility to protect everyone entrusted to our care.
We will review this statement and our policy annually.
All workers with children, young people, and adults with care and support needs at Hope Church are required to meet the following standards:
If you have any concerns about a child or adult, please contact one of the following: